Iconio 2018 Oenops Wines is the most premium wine ever released by the boutique estate in Drama. Restless, inquisitive and relentlessly curious, Nikos Karatzas turned his attention to Koniaros—one of Greece’s rarest indigenous grape varieties—and, with Iconio 2018 Oenops Wines, delivers compelling proof that truly great wines can be made anywhere, provided you know exactly what you are doing.
Nikos Karatzas never stops searching for exceptional vineyards and new challenges across Greece. This time, he chose to work with a variety largely unknown to the wider public, yet one with deep historical roots. Koniaros originates from Asia Minor, specifically the region of Ikonio (from which it takes its name), and was brought to Serres by Greek migrants around a century ago. The survival of the variety is owing to a handful of small local growers who believed in its potential and preserved it in their vineyards against all odds.
From Serres, and following a rigorous selection process, the grape must fermented with indigenous yeasts in new, open 225‑litre barrels. Maturation then took place in the same barrels for 18 months. Iconio 2018 Oenops Wines is bottled unfiltered and with minimal external intervention, allowing it to continue its long bottle ageing before finally reaching your hands.
This is a red wine with serious ageing potential, produced in a very limited number of bottles—so don’t miss the opportunity to secure one.
