DOMAINE CHATZIVARITIS, Greece
The property spans 20ha of organically farmed vineyards across the regions of Bindabla, Filyria, Plagia, Pentalofos and Griva, cultivating indigenous grape varieties such as Xinomavro, Negoska, Roditis, Malagousia, Muscat and Assyrtiko, along with small plots of international varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. In 2017, Vagelis’ daughter, Chloi, returned to Greece after completing winemaking studies in France and Portugal. She brought with her a modern, low-intervention philosophy along with less familiar winemaking techniques such as pétillant naturel (‘pét nat’) and carbonic maceration.
Viticulture
Chatzivaritis Estate has practiced organic farming since its inception. The vineyards are rooted in medium- to light-textured sandy-clay soils, situated at elevations reaching up to 700 meters. This location benefits from a continental climate characterised by wet winters, hot dry summers, and refreshing cool nights that help preserve acidity and aromatic complexity in the grapes. All grapes are hand-harvested to ensure precision in selection and maintain the highest possible fruit quality. Their commitment to organic viticulture underscores their deep respect for the environment and terroir.
Winemaking
The winemaking philosophy at Chatzivaritis centers on minimal intervention and authentic expression of the grape and land. Wines are fermented spontaneously using indigenous yeasts, and no commercial yeasts, fining agents, or filtration are used. Sulfur is added minimally, only when necessary. White wines may undergo cold maceration for 2–4 days in stainless steel or amphora before fermentation, while red varieties like Negoska may undergo carbonic maceration to enhance aromatic lift and fruit purity. The estate also produces pétillant naturel wines from blends such as Muscat–Malagousia and Negoska–Xinomavro, showcasing their playful and experimental edge. Some wines are aged for 3–7 months in old French oak barrels and matured in bottle for up to a year before release.
- Chatzivaritis Estate has farmed organically since day one, showing a long-term commitment to sustainable viticulture.
- Their wines are true to the land and made naturally, using spontaneous fermentation, no fining or filtration, and little to no added sulphur.
- With innovative techniques like carbonic maceration, cold soaking, and the production of pet-nats, they continue to push the boundaries of Greek natural winemaking.
