Sclavos Wines Zakynthino 2023 white

Sclavos Wines Zakynthino 2023 is a distinctive white wine from the Ionian Islands that shines a spotlight on one of Greece’s rare, nearly forgotten native grapes. Crafted by biodynamic pioneer Evriviadis Sclavos on the island of Kefalonia, this is a natural-leaning wine that balances authenticity with precision. It’s a compelling choice for curious wine lovers looking to explore the nuanced, textural side of Greek whites beyond the usual suspects.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, Zakynthino 2023 shows a luminous, golden straw-yellow hue with remarkable clarity and a slightly viscous texture, forming pronounced legs on the side of the glass. The nose is quietly complex rather than overtly fruity, with restrained yellow stone fruit layered over notes of dried fruit, root vegetables, wild herbs and a gentle, sweet oxidative nuance. Subtle hints of biscuit, toasted grain and light caramel add an inviting, savory depth. On the palate, this is a textured, structured white with a generous, almost waxy mouthfeel supported by fresh, balanced acidity. The flavors echo the aromatics: understated ripe yellow fruit, dried apricot or apple, herbal undertones and a fine, nutty, oxidative tone that brings complexity without heaviness. The extended lees contact adds creaminess and length, while the natural winemaking keeps the finish dry, saline and food-friendly. Enjoyable now for its layered, slightly oxidative style, it also has the substance and structure to develop further complexity over the next 3–5 years in bottle, gaining more nuttiness and tertiary notes.

Production
The Zakynthino grapes for this wine are grown on Kefalonia in the Ionian Islands, rooted in limestone-rich soils that lend both tension and a subtle mineral edge to the wine. Sclavos farms biodynamically, working with living soils and low yields, and harvests are carried out by hand with strict selection in the vineyard. Fermentation proceeds spontaneously with indigenous yeasts, reflecting the character of the site rather than a controlled, technical profile. The wine is raised in a deliberately slightly oxidative style and left for around nine months on its lees, allowing it to stabilize naturally and build texture and complexity. There is no fining or filtration, and the only intervention is a small addition of sulfur just before bottling, resulting in a minimally handled, honest expression of Zakynthino.

Food & Serving
This structured, textural white is a versatile food partner, particularly suited to Mediterranean-inspired dishes. It pairs beautifully with grilled or baked fish, octopus, shellfish stews, lemon-and-herb roasted chicken, or vegetable-based dishes such as roasted root vegetables, chickpea stews, grilled zucchini and eggplant, or savory pies with cheese and greens. Its subtle oxidative and nutty nuances also make it an excellent companion to aged hard cheeses, semi-hard goat or sheep’s cheeses, and dishes with toasted or caramelized elements. Serve at 10–12°C to highlight both freshness and texture; a light decant of 20–30 minutes is recommended, especially in its youth, to allow the aromatics to open and the leesy notes to integrate fully.

Producer
Sclavos Wines is one of Greece’s benchmark artisan producers and a true pioneer of biodynamic viticulture in the country. Based on the island of Kefalonia in the Ionian Sea, Evriviadis Sclavos has championed organic and biodynamic farming, indigenous varieties and low-intervention cellar work long before these became trends. His work has helped raise the profile of Kefalonia and the wider Ionian Islands as serious wine regions and has been instrumental in preserving rare local grapes like Zakynthino. Widely respected among sommeliers and wine enthusiasts, Sclavos is known for characterful, terroir-driven wines that combine authenticity, textural depth and ageworthy complexity.

We deliver within 2 - 6 business days. You can choose whether it should be to a parcel shop or home delivery. Free delivery to both parcel shops and your front door. Our store partners primarily use GLS, DPD, UPS and DHL for deliveries. We cover deliveries to the majority of countries in Europe.