Oinogenesis Estate

Overview & Philosophy

Oinogenesis Estate (Οινογένεσις) is a leading winery located in Doxato, Drama, in Northern Greece.
It was founded in 2007 by Dr. Nikos Karatzas, a renowned Greek oenologist and consultant who previously collaborated with several top Greek producers before establishing his own estate.
The name Oinogenesis means “the birth of wine,” reflecting a philosophy rooted in the balance between science, terroir, and minimal intervention.
The estate’s mission is to produce high-quality wines with distinct regional identity, combining local and international grape varieties under precise, sustainable viticulture and state-of-the-art winemaking.

Vineyards & Terroir

  • Location: The vineyards are located near the villages of Doxato, Agora, and Adriani, within the Drama PDO / PGI Drama zone in Eastern Macedonia.

  • Vineyard Area: Approximately 55 hectares of estate vineyards and contracted parcels managed directly by the estate’s team.

  • Altitude: Between 200 and 350 meters above sea level.

  • Soils: Mixed clay-limestone with marl and schist layers, providing ideal drainage and minerality.

  • Climate: Continental-Mediterranean — cold winters and hot, dry summers moderated by northern winds and cool nights, resulting in balanced ripening and natural acidity.

  • Viticulture: Practiced under sustainable and integrated management, with focus on biodiversity, controlled yields, and precise canopy management.

  • Harvest: Manual, in small crates, with rigorous vineyard sorting for optimal fruit selection.

Grape Varieties

The estate cultivates both Greek indigenous and international varieties, using each to express the Drama region’s terroir diversity.

White Varieties:

  • Assyrtiko

  • Malagouzia

  • Sauvignon Blanc

  • Chardonnay

  • Semillon

  • Gewürztraminer

Red Varieties:

  • Agiorgitiko

  • Limniona

  • Syrah

  • Merlot

  • Cabernet Sauvignon

  • Cabernet Franc

  • Tempranillo (in experimental parcels)

Winemaking Practices

  • Fermentation: Controlled-temperature fermentations using indigenous and selected yeasts depending on style; cold soak and skin contact are applied for aromatic enhancement in whites.

  • Barrel Fermentation: Certain whites (Chardonnay, Semillon) undergo barrel fermentation and extended lees aging.

  • Maturation:

    • Whites: 4–10 months on fine lees (stainless steel or oak).

    • Reds: 12–24 months in French oak barrels (mostly second or third use).

  • Fining / Filtration: Gentle fining and minimal filtration before bottling.

  • Sulfur: Used judiciously, maintaining stability without masking terroir character.

  • Blending: Blends are assembled based on sensory analysis rather than fixed formulas.

  • Philosophy: The goal is to highlight fruit purity, structure, and minerality, respecting both grape variety and origin.

Signature Wines & Portfolio

White Wines:

  • Oenogenesis White – Sauvignon Blanc, Assyrtiko, and Malagouzia blend; crisp and aromatic with citrus and mineral tones.

  • Thema White – Sauvignon Blanc & Assyrtiko; bright acidity, floral nose, and elegant texture (one of the estate’s flagship wines).

  • Chardonnay Barrel Fermented – Aged on lees, creamy with balanced oak influence.

Rosé Wines:

  • Thema Rosé – From Syrah and Agiorgitiko; lively, aromatic, and structured.

Red Wines:

  • Thema Red – Blend of Syrah, Agiorgitiko, and Merlot; aged in French oak, balanced tannins, and rich berry fruit.

  • Oinogenesis Red – Premium blend of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot; aged 18–24 months in French oak, complex and full-bodied.

  • Syrah “Hatzivaritis” / Single Vineyard Selections – Expressing micro-terroir character and spice.

Sweet Wines:

  • Limited editions from late-harvested or sun-dried grapes (produced in select vintages).

Technical & Operational Details

  • Winery Facility: A modern complex in Doxato featuring gravity-flow vinification and temperature-controlled maturation cellars.

  • Fermentation Vessels: Stainless steel tanks, French oak barrels, and concrete vats for select lots.

  • Barrel Program: French oak (225L and 500L), 20–30% new depending on vintage.

  • Annual Production: Approximately 300,000 bottles.

  • Bottling: On-site, under nitrogen for oxidation protection.

  • Quality Control: Laboratory precision and sensory panels ensure consistency and typicity across vintages.

  • Export: Wines distributed widely across Europe, North America, and Asia.

Strengths & Distinctive Qualities

  • Founded by one of Greece’s most respected oenologists, ensuring scientific precision and deep terroir understanding.

  • State-of-the-art winery — technologically advanced but philosophically rooted in minimal intervention.

  • Diverse varietal program that bridges Greek and international grapes, achieving elegance and regional identity.

  • Flagship blend “Thema” recognized for consistency, purity, and value across markets.

  • Drama terroir clarity — high-altitude, limestone soils, and dramatic diurnal variation yield wines with freshness and structure.

  • Commitment to sustainability — eco-conscious vineyard management and energy-efficient winery practices.

  • Balanced style: elegant, modern wines that maintain depth, finesse, and sense of place.