Monemvasia Winery Tsimbidi, Kydonitsa, Laconia 2023

Producer Note
The Monemvasia Winery Tsimbidi was founded in 1997 with a clear objective: to revive
the production of Malvasia wine in its birth place. The Frankish name for Monemvasia is
Malvasia, which originally lent its name to the wine. In the 12th century and for the
subsequent 300 years, this wine ruled the European world. It is still produced in many
countries, but until recently was not being produced in the country of its origin -
Greece. The Monemvasia Winery created the first privately owned 121 hectares of
vineyard, planted with local varieties. It is committed to producing quality wines which
showcase the characteristics of the indigenous varieties and the terroir of the peninsula
of Maleas.

Vineyard
Kydonitsa is a rare, old local variety and one of the components of the legendary wine
Malvasia. The vineyard is located on the peninsula of Maleus at the foothills of the
Parnonas Mountain range at an altitude of 80 metres above sea level. Surrounded by
the Myrtoo Sea to the North West and by the Laconian Gulf to the South West, the
vineyard is influenced by a Mediterranean climate with high sunshine hours and
coastal sea breezes. The soils are clay loam and rich in minerals. All these factors
contribute in creating a unique terroir and the climatic conditions present an ideal
environment for healthy vines, which are cultivated organically.

Winemaking
The grapes were carefully selected, destemmed and crushed. The free run juice was
extracted by crushing, while the press wines were gently extracted at pressures of a
maximum of one bar. The juice was settled at 13°C. Fermentation took place with
selected yeasts, in stainless steel at 16°C lasting between 15 to 20 days. The wine did
not undergo malolactic conversion resulting in a wine with a fresh, pure style. It was
matured on the lees for five months, with regular bâtonnage (lees stirring) imparting
texture and complexity.

Tasting Note
Kydonitsa is Greek for quince and this wine is true to its name showing ripe quince and
elegant aromas of tropical fruits. Creamy and full flavoured on the palate with a
mouthwatering freshness and a long aromatic and sweetly spiced finish.

Grape
Kydonitsa 100%