Domaine Zafeirakis Limniona Young Vineyards

Profile & Story

Ktima Zafeirakis is a fourth-generation family estate in Tyrnavos, in the PGI Tyrnavos zone of Thessaly, with more than a century of winemaking history. Winemaker Christos Zafeirakis studied enology at the University of Athens and furthered his training in Piemonte, Alto Adige, and Tuscany before returning home to plant the estate's first certified organic vineyard in 2005; the property now farms organically and biodynamically. Christos is widely credited with reviving Limniona, an old indigenous Thessalian red variety that had nearly disappeared from commercial production. Young Vineyards is a 100% Limniona bottling sourced from vines averaging 10-15 years of age in the Paleomylos and Kampilaga vineyards, planted at 150-200 meters on sandy-clay soil with a high concentration of flint. Yields are kept around 90hl/ha. Fermentation relies on indigenous yeasts with 15-20 days of extraction, followed by maturation in large 3,000- and 5,000-liter oak barrels, using gentle maceration and minimal aging to preserve the grape's fresh, fruit-driven character.

Pairing Recommendation

Pairs well with Mediterranean tomato-based dishes, herb-roasted white meats, and summer appetizers like spanakopita and dolmades; also enjoyable slightly chilled with grilled fare.