Domaine Chatzivaritis, miNImus (PGI- Slopes of Paiko), Assyrtiko, Kilkis, Goumenissa, Greece, 2022

Producer Profile

Founded in 1994 by Vagelis Chatzivaritis, the Chatzivaritis Estate is located in the heart of Goumenissa, Macedonia, Greece.

The winery spans 20 hectares of organically farmed vineyards across the regions of Bindabla, Filyria, Plagia, Pentalofos, and Griva. The estate cultivates indigenous Greek grape varieties such as Xinomavro, Negoska, Roditis, Malagousia, Muscat, and Assyrtiko, while also growing small plots of international varieties like Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon. In 2017, Vagelis’ daughter Chloi returned to Greece after winemaking studies in France and Portugal. She brought with her a modern, low-intervention philosophy, introducing natural winemaking techniques, including pétillant naturel and carbonic maceration.

Viticulture

100% Malagousia grapes, grown in an organically cultivated vineyard with a linear layout in Plagia. The vineyard’s light-textured sandy clay soil enhances the delicate aromatic profile and freshness of the grapes. Carefully managed to preserve the variety’s expressive character, this Malagousia reflects the purity of its terroir, offering a vibrant and elegant expression of this distinguished Greek white grape.

Winemaking

Grapes are carefully hand selected, crushed, and allowed to go through spontaneous fermentation in clay amphora wine barrels without any additives, fining or filtration and with very low sulfur level, added before bottling. Skins remain in contact with the juice/wine for 1 month before being aged in French oak barrels for an additional 4 months.

Tasting Note

With its striking bright orange hue and subtle chestnut highlights, this distinctive Malagousia immediately captures attention. Low in turbidity and high in character, it reveals a richly aromatic bouquet of orange zest, ripe nectarine, sun-dried apricots, peach, and delicate dried flowers, elegantly layered with notes of cedar, honey, bergamot, and kumquat. On the palate, it is bold and textured, featuring well-balanced tannins, vibrant acidity, and a beautifully persistent finish. This is a captivating, skin-contact wine that redefines Malagousia with depth, complexity, and a bold, modern edge.

Food Matching

Creamy mushroom risotto, roasted root vegetables, or dishes featuring aged cheeses and nuts