The wine journey of the Tselepos family follows PDO paths. Or to be more precise, PDO avenues, as the locations they have chosen for their explorations are undoubtedly top-tier. After Mantinia and Nemea, it was Santorini’s turn, facilitated through their collaboration with the local Chrysou family.
The Santorini venture of Kanava Chrysou-Tselepou is based on 120 privately-owned acres planted with perennial vines, the fruit of which produces the four PDO labels in their collection. The most recent addition comes from Cape and is a Vinsanto that is 23% comprised of Aidani. The particularly high percentage of this rare grape likely contributes to its unique character.
I must admit that my subjective opinion on this type of wine diverges significantly from my `objective` assessment, so neither the caramel-like reddish colour nor the classic explosive bouquet reminiscent of nutty spoon sweets supercharged by volatile acidity were enough to win me over initially. However, after 1-2 minutes in the glass, the situation took a striking turn as revelations revealed first apricot, then marzipan and orgeat syrup, and finally a hint of hazelnut.
Without a doubt, the battle between sweetness and acidity in a Vinsanto is wildly captivating; however, it detracts from harmony and finesse. Additionally, the world today—more than ever—needs peace, and that is precisely what this wine offers! Thus, the sweetness—which must be abundant given the 9.5% alcohol—comes in a very serene manner, allowing the acidity to work unobtrusively and without fuss. Its role is to seamlessly integrate into the body of the wine, providing the ideal balance, aided by the absence of tannins.
This challenging task is perfectly executed only at 10-12°C and with the Spiegelau Willsberger Anniversary White glass, as every other glass tends to reduce performance by half a degree. However, alongside it, you can enjoy a piece of galaktoboureko, a fine blue cheese, and a Cretan Touloumotyri cheese, or indulge a spoon into a caramel cream or caramel mousse.
The Santorini venture of Kanava Chrysou-Tselepou is based on 120 privately-owned acres planted with perennial vines, the fruit of which produces the four PDO labels in their collection. The most recent addition comes from Cape and is a Vinsanto that is 23% comprised of Aidani. The particularly high percentage of this rare grape likely contributes to its unique character.
I must admit that my subjective opinion on this type of wine diverges significantly from my `objective` assessment, so neither the caramel-like reddish colour nor the classic explosive bouquet reminiscent of nutty spoon sweets supercharged by volatile acidity were enough to win me over initially. However, after 1-2 minutes in the glass, the situation took a striking turn as revelations revealed first apricot, then marzipan and orgeat syrup, and finally a hint of hazelnut.
Without a doubt, the battle between sweetness and acidity in a Vinsanto is wildly captivating; however, it detracts from harmony and finesse. Additionally, the world today—more than ever—needs peace, and that is precisely what this wine offers! Thus, the sweetness—which must be abundant given the 9.5% alcohol—comes in a very serene manner, allowing the acidity to work unobtrusively and without fuss. Its role is to seamlessly integrate into the body of the wine, providing the ideal balance, aided by the absence of tannins.
This challenging task is perfectly executed only at 10-12°C and with the Spiegelau Willsberger Anniversary White glass, as every other glass tends to reduce performance by half a degree. However, alongside it, you can enjoy a piece of galaktoboureko, a fine blue cheese, and a Cretan Touloumotyri cheese, or indulge a spoon into a caramel cream or caramel mousse.
Where most Vinsanto tend to be one-dimensional in aroma and intensely wild in flavour, the offering from Kanava Chrysou-Tselepou turns expectations upside down in both nose and palate, all without sacrificing an ounce of formality. Obviously, the price of approximately €45 for 500ml may not seem small, even for one of the best Vinsanto I have ever tasted. However, if you take a moment to think about it, gold has never been cheaper!
Rating: 9.5/10
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