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  In 1989, George Manolesakis started to cultivate his own vineyards on the slopes of the Village of Adriani, Drama located in the northern province of Macedonia, a region known for producing the ripest grapes in Greece. He planted primarily French stem varieties, such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Semillon, Syrah, and Ugni Blanc. Indigenous grape varieties, such as Roditis and Agiorgitiko (St. George), are also part of the wine portfolio. In 1998, he founded G. Manoleskis & Co., a company dedicated to producing and bottling French stem varieties.

Drama is said to have a viticulture that dates back 5,000 years. Its continental climate, rich soil, and gentle slopes provide ideal conditions to produce wines of high quality. Mr. Manolesakis states that the slopes protect his vineyards from weather conditions, such as strong winds, sudden changes of temperature, and excess moisture. The result is low yields per hectare and a low volume wine production that is growing in international recognition for its high quality. Manolesakis has 25 hectares and uses French oak barrels of 225 liters for his red wines replacing them every three years.

 

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Red Wines

ESTATE RED OAK AGED, MANOLESAKIS -
DRAMA VALLEY, MACEDONIA:
A bit rustic and tannic, but also shows solid, ripe berry and cherry fruit. Hay, horse and spice notes add nuance without burying the fruit.
Grape Varieties: 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 25% Syrah

MERLOT, MANOLESAKIS - ADRIANI VALLEY,
DRAMA - MACEDONIA:
Firm yet fleshy, this Merlot boasts chunky black-cherry fruit swaddled in layers of toast and dark chocolate. It's medium-weight, graceful enough to drink with food, but it's still chewy enough to drink on its own.
Grape Variety: Oak Aged Merlot

CABERNET SAUVIGNON, MANOLESAKIS -
DRAMA VALLEY, MACEDONIA:
Strawberry isn't a typical Cabernet descriptor, but it applies to this wine, which also boasts more classic notes of dried herbs, leather and cedar. Supple tannins make this Cabernet instantly approachable.
Grape Variety: Oak Aged Cabernet Sauvignon

 

 

 


White Wines

ESTATE WHITE, MANOLESAKIS -
DRAMA VALLEY, MACEDONIA:
This interesting blend boasts aromas of preserved lemons and fresh herbs, then turns a bit plumper in the mouth, with nectarine flavors joining in. Tart and high-acid on the finish, making it a natural with oily seafood dishes like fresh sardines.
Grape Varieties: New Oak Aged 60% Sauvignon Blanc, 40% Chardonnay

SAUVIGNON BLANC/RODITIS, MANOLESAKIS -
DRAMA VALLEY, MACEDONIA:
This blend combines ripe stone-fruit elements of nectarine and peach with firm mineral notes and a hint of anise on the lingering finish. Slightly herbal, but speaks more of ripe fruit, making for a pleasant, medium-weight sipper.
Grape Varieties: New Oak Aged 60% Sauvignon Blanc, 40% Roditis


  
   

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