Papadopoulos Rapsani Dry Red 2024

The village of Rapsani has been associated with winegrowing for centuries, and today gives its name to the PDO based on the local combination of Xinomavro, Krassato and Stavroto. Xinomavro supplies much of the acidity, tannin and aromatic intensity of the blend, while the softer Krassato and deeply coloured Stavroto temper its more austere structural character. The three varieties have traditionally been grown together on the slopes around the village, where their differing ripening patterns form part of the distinctive identity of Rapsani wine.

Papadopoulos’ 2024 brings together fruit from five vineyard sites, with Xinomavro leading the blend, followed by Krassato and Stavroto. The fruit is fermented spontaneously in open tanks, consistent with the brothers’ minimal-intervention approach, producing a relatively light 12.5% alcohol expression of the appellation. Red and blue berries are joined by sage, wild herbs, hazelnut and earthy, savoury flavours, with firm, chiselled tannin and bright acidity providing considerable structure. An orange-citrus freshness emerges through the finish, alongside bramble and gamey notes, giving the wine a distinctly wild and savoury character despite its relatively modest weight.