Kontozisis Vineyards

Overview & Philosophy

Kontozisis Vineyards is an organic, family-run winery located in Karditsa, in the Thessaly region of central Greece.
It was established in the early 1990s by Thanasis and Eirini Kontozisis, pioneers of organic and sustainable viticulture in Greece.
Their vision is to produce authentic, terroir-driven wines that highlight the unique microclimate of the Plastiras Lakeregion and the native grape varieties of Greece.
The Kontozisis family practices certified organic farming and low-intervention winemaking, focusing on balance between nature, vineyard, and wine.

The estate’s motto reflects its guiding philosophy:
“Nothing added that isn’t necessary — nothing removed that defines the wine.”

Vineyards & Terroir

  • Location: The vineyards are situated near Karditsa, on the slopes surrounding Lake Plastiras, at altitudes between 250 and 350 meters.

  • Vineyard Area: Approximately 12 hectares of estate-owned and managed vineyards.

  • Soils: The terrain consists of sandy-clay and limestone-rich soils, providing good drainage and mineral complexity.

  • Climate: Continental with Mediterranean influence — warm summers, cold winters, and large day–night temperature differences. The lake moderates the microclimate, preserving acidity and freshness in the grapes.

  • Farming: 100% certified organic since 1991; use of green manures, natural compost, and minimal plowing to protect soil structure.

  • Irrigation: Minimal to none; vines are encouraged to develop deep roots for natural resilience.

  • Harvest: Grapes are handpicked in small crates, with careful selection in the vineyard.

Grape Varieties

Kontozisis cultivates both indigenous Greek and international varieties, focusing primarily on native grapes suited to the region’s terroir.

  • White Varieties: Roditis Alepou, Malagouzia, Assyrtiko, Savatiano, Batiki.

  • Red Varieties: Limniona, Xinomavro, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon (in small quantities).

  • Specialization: The estate is particularly known for its Limniona — a rare and ancient red variety native to Thessaly, revived by Kontozisis and now recognized for its finesse and aging potential.

Winemaking Practices

  • Fermentation: Spontaneous fermentation using wild (indigenous) yeasts.

  • Additives: No chemical corrections, enzymes, or selected yeasts.

  • Sulfur: Minimal or no sulfur used, depending on vintage and wine style.

  • Fining & Filtration: No fining and gentle or no filtration; wines are bottled as naturally as possible.

  • Vessels: Combination of stainless steel, concrete tanks, and neutral oak barrels for aging.

  • Aging:

    • Whites: 6–10 months on lees for texture and stability.

    • Reds: 10–18 months in old oak barrels or amphorae, depending on the cuvée.

  • Stabilization: Natural cold stabilization; no mechanical processing.

  • Bottling: Done at the estate with minimal intervention to preserve vibrancy and life in the wine.

Key Wines & Styles

White Wines:

  • Metamorphosis White (Roditis Alepou & Malagouzia) — Aromatic, textured, with floral and citrus notes.

  • Roditis Alepou (single-varietal) — Crisp, mineral, and structured white from the pink-skinned Roditis variety.

  • Orange Roditis / Amphora White — Skin-contact wine fermented on the skins for up to 30 days; complex and amber-toned.

Red Wines:

  • Metamorphosis Red (Limniona & Syrah) — Fresh, medium-bodied, with red fruit, herbs, and soft tannins.

  • Limniona (single-varietal) — Elegant, silky red with high acidity and long finish; aged 12–18 months in used oak barrels.

  • Xinomavro Blend — Structured red with spice and earthy character.

Natural Wines:

  • A dedicated range of zero-addition wines, bottled unfiltered and unsulfured, expressing the estate’s natural philosophy.

Technical & Operational Details

  • Certification: Fully certified organic (DIO Greece).

  • Annual Production: Approximately 60,000–70,000 bottles, entirely estate-grown and bottled.

  • Fermentation Control: Temperature-controlled tanks for whites; natural fermentation for reds.

  • Biodiversity: The estate maintains a diverse ecosystem with olive trees, herbs, and cover crops among the vines.

  • Exports: Wines are distributed internationally, with a strong presence in Europe, the U.S., and Japan.

  • Sustainability: Solar energy, minimal water use, and full recycling of vineyard waste.

Strengths & Distinctive Qualities

  • One of Greece’s early organic pioneers, with over 30 years of certified organic farming.

  • Low-intervention, terroir-driven wines that reflect the cool microclimate of Lake Plastiras.

  • Revival of Limniona, a nearly extinct native variety, now considered a benchmark red for Thessaly.

  • Balance of purity and precision: clean natural winemaking without oxidation or spoilage risk.

  • Sustainable viticulture model integrating biodiversity, soil regeneration, and ecosystem balance.

  • Consistent international recognition for authenticity, finesse, and honest craftsmanship.

  • Wines express elegance, freshness, and transparency, hallmarks of Greek organic viticulture at its best.