🍷Wine of the Week - Domaine Karanika Cuvée de Reserve 2016 🍾 | A great Greek sparkling wine from Xinomavro

We are in Florina, in the village of Agios Panteleimonas, at the heart of the Amyntaio appellation.
The Cuvée de Reserve 2016 from Domaine Karanika is made from 100% Xinomavro, sourced from a vineyard planted in the 1970s at an altitude of 650 metres — factors that largely explain the wine’s finesse, structure and remarkable ageing potential.

Amyntaio is one of the coolest winegrowing zones in Greece, challenging the common belief that Greek wine is produced only under intense heat and sunshine. Here, Xinomavro develops vibrant acidity, precision and a distinctive expression — ideal characteristics for high-quality sparkling wines.

Domaine Karanika and its philosophy

Annette von Kampen and Laurence Hartmann–Karanikas have consistently dedicated themselves to showcasing Xinomavro, with a particular focus on méthode traditionnelle sparkling wines, alongside outstanding still wines.

Biodynamic farming, meticulous attention to detail and deep respect for terroir are reflected in every bottle. It comes as no surprise that when tasting the estate’s still wines, one immediately understands why their sparkling wines are known for their complexity, elegance and depth.

A Blanc de Blancs from Assyrtiko is also expected in the near future, further confirming the estate’s dynamic vision beyond Xinomavro.

Labels, rebranding and the transition to Celeste

Personally, I have a particular fondness for the older labels of Domaine Karanika. Simpler, more authentically méthode traditionnelle, and closely tied to my first encounters with the estate’s wines — experiences that, around 2018, were truly revelatory.

The clear bottles, the knight holding a sword, and the playing card with three hearts all hinted that something special lay inside.

In recent years, the rebranding and new packaging have leaned more clearly toward the estate’s biodynamic practices. To my eye, the knight from the old logo now seems to point the way to Fanouris, the estate’s mule — a symbol of tireless dedication and contribution to the winery.

During this transitional period, between Cuvée de Reserve and the forthcoming, almost celestial Céleste, the estate released the Cuvée de Reserve 2016 in a limited number of bottles — hiding beneath the new outer wrap… the old label.

A true ace up the sleeve.

Tasting Notes

Golden colour, with a fine, delicate yet generous mousse. Subtle red fruits, orange marmalade, bergamot, dried apricot, white pepper and hints of clove. On the palate brioche notes, marmalade and dried fruits, touches of coconut and a sharp acidity wrapped in a buttery veil. Complex yet velvety, with excellent balance.

Why we love this wine?

The Cuvée de Reserve 2016 is not just another Greek sparkling wine; it is a wine of depth, memory and character.  It s a unique wine for celebrating every moment.

I opened this bottle on my birthday — and I must have said at least five times how satisfied I was with the choice. -

💥Limited bottles – exclusively available at Weinhandel Holy Grail.

Discover it here → Cuvée de Reserve 2016