Philia Winery
FOKIANO
THE TERROIR
Our Fokiano is cultivated in one of the most privileged locations on Samos, at an altitude of 650 meters. This elevation ensures the cool nights necessary for the grapes to ripen slowly, preserving their vibrant acidity and aromatic profile.
Geological Character The vines are rooted in schist and quartz soils. This unique geological composition imparts a distinct minerality to the wine, which serves as the hallmark of the Samian terroir we aim to showcase.
Ancient Vines & Low Yields * Heritage: These are ungrafted, centenarian vineyards over 100 years old.
Cultivation takes place on the traditional stone terraces of Samos, preserving the landscape and the authenticity of island viticulture.
Our very low yield per acre is a conscious choice. We prioritise the variety's unique character over quantity.
The Mission: Rescue & Revival Fokiano is a rare variety that has long remained in the shadows.
Our work at Philia Winery is a dedicated effort to rescue and revive this treasure, evolving the project into an institution that honours the island's history.
THE VINIFICATION
Immediately following the harvest, the grapes are carefully de-stemmed without crushing the berries.
They undergo a specialised maceration process for two weeks within Fokiano must, which is obtained through extremely light pressure. Every movement is performed with absolute gentleness to avoid unnecessary stress on the fruit.
This delicate environment triggers an intracellular (carbonic) fermentation inside the intact berries. This technique is essential for developing the unique aromatic complexity and elegant structure that define our Fokiano.
After the initial two-week period, the grapes are lightly pressed. The resulting must is transferred into barrels, where it undergoes fermentation and begins a long, transformative journey. The wine matures in the barrels for three years, allowing it to reach full complexity and balance before bottling.
Tech Specs
Variety | Fokiano (100 %)
Terroir Schist & Quartz at 650m
Carbonic Maceration 14 Days
Vessel | Fermented & Aged in Barriques
Farming | Zero-Zero: Nettle Tea & Zeolite treatments
Harvest | Manual, late August
Profile | Deep, Saline, Crystalline, Complex |
Alcohol: 15% vol Acidity: 6.1 g/l Residual Sugar <1.0 g/l
pH 3.15 Total SO2 <10 mg/l"
Chef’s Pairing
Slow-cooked Beef Shank | Shellfish-infused Bulgur | Seared Sucrine
The Fokiano is a wine that defies expectations. With its 15% ABV and a structure reminiscent of a well-composed Barolo, it requires a pairing with equal intensity and depth.
The Protein: The rich, gelatinous texture of the Beef Shank (Git de Boeuf) demands a wine with integrated tannins and robust body to cut through the fat.
The Saline Bridge: The Shellfish-infused Bulgur acts as a direct link to the wine’s saline and mineral profile, which originates from the schist and quartz soils of Mount Karvounis.
The Aromatics: The notes of bitter orange, blood orange, and dried herbs (thyme, bay leaf) in the wine’s bouquet elevate the earthy sweetness of the bulgur and the freshness of the seared sucrine.