KTIMA BIBLIA CHORA | Ovilos | 2024
assyrtiko | semillon

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The Bibila Chora (the “C” is silent) winery was built in 1998 in the hills of Mount Pangeon, in northen Greece near Kavala, Macedonia. It is a joint venture established by the visionary duo Evangelos Gerovassiliou (the owner of the famous Ktima Gerovassiliou winery) and Vassilis Tsaktsarlis. Their philosophy is rooted in a profound respect for the land, combined with scientific research and traditional practices. The winery quickly rose to prominence by showcasing the potential of both indigenous and international grape varieties.
Today we are going to review an exceptional wine from the Pangeon sub-region of Macedonia in northern Greece – Ovilos 2024 by Ktima Biblia Chora. This wine is a harmonious blend of two grape varieties: an indigenous greek variety in assyrtiko, and an international grape variety in semillon – two grape varieties chosen for their complementary characteristics, where assyrtiko forms the wine’s main body and structure, providing the signature crisp acidity, whereas semillon adds aromatic richness, a silky texture and builds a more refined mid-palate. The grapes were sourced from the slopes of the mountainous Pangeon Hills, which is one of Greece’s most dynamic wine regions, known for its hot climate and stony-rich soils. The winemaking process is inspired by the best whites of the world, involving a brief maceration on the skins to extract more fragrance, followed by temperature controlled. The final wine was aged for 8 months on fine lees (sur lie ageing) in french oak barrels with regular bâtonnage – a winemaking technique designed to enhance the wine’s aromatic complexity, gaining in body and developing a luxurious mouthfeel.

The privately owned vineyards of Ktima Biblia Chora encompasses an area of about 65 ha and are located at an altitude of 380 meters above sea level at the foothills on the slopes of Mount Pangeon, drawing the eye to the Aegean Sea in the distance. This rocky geography provides excellent drainage while also ensuring abundant sun exposure – two critical elements for producing high-quality grapes, especially suited for thick skinned grape varieties. The mediterranean climate, characterized by mild winters and hot summers, is influenced by sea breezes and cool air that descends from the Mount Pangeon at nighttime. High diurnal temperature differences between day and night allow the grapes to mature slowly and develop complex aromatic compounds. This results in wines with a firm backbone, crisp acidity, robust tannic structure, allowing them to age gracefully for at least a decade.

color: medium-deep yellow color
clarity: pale pastel-yellow hues

In the glass, the wine presents a medium-deep yellow color, shimmering with delicate pastel-yellow shades towards the rim.

intensity: pronounced & expressive
fruit character: ripe

The olfactory profile is pronounced and expressive, revealing a rich tapestry of aromas anchored by a ripe fruit character. In the foreground, a delightful bouquet of orchard fruits takes center stage, revealing notes of apricot, quince, peach, pear, and nectarine, gracefully interwoven with an elegant floral medley of acacia flowers, honeysuckle, lindenflower, jasmine, and elderflower. Subtle hints of hay and cantaloupe add intrigue and complexity. As the wine breathes, the background introduces citrusy notes of pineapple, lemon, and grapefruit, framed by well-integrated notes of fresh oakwood and hints of vanilla. A touch of delicate leesy undertones of butter and brioche further enhance the wine’s aromatic sophistication.

sweetness: dry | acidity: high | alcohol: high | tannin: medium- | balance: fine
finish: lasting | aftertaste: crisp & ample

On the palate, the wine feels ample and rich, delivering a complex and well structured tasting experience. It tastes  voluptuous and smooth, showcasing a vibrant and expressive character that feels both rich and crisp. This is a textbook, full-bodied, oak-aged white wine, presenting a creamy and round mouthfeel that is both enveloping and refreshing. The wine is dry, balanced by a mouth-watering acidity that provides incredible freshness and verve, cutting through the enveloping richness and ensuring a lively palate. A well-integrated touch of alcoholic warmth adds structure without ever feeling overpowering, while smooth tannins contribute to its impeccable complexity. All these elements coalesce into a symphony, culminating in a crisp and ample aftertaste that resonates with remarkable length and elegance.

maturity: developing | drink now or age for another 3 to 4 years
verdict: great | benchmark wine | a wine that has all the traits to become legendary

Overall, this is an amazing wine – a benchmark example of an oak-aged white that perfectly marries a new-world charm with delicate old-world elegance. It showcases impeccable structure and an extremely appealing character. Ovilos White is a wine of amazing complexity, offering tantalizing hints of terroir-driven delicacy that unequivocally reflect its unique place of origin. With its huge aging potential, this is still a wine in the developing phase. While ready to be enjoyed today, cellaring it for at least 3 to 4 more years will undoubtedly allow the wine to develop even greater complexity and aromatic sophistication.

To complement the wine’s rich texture and complex flavor profile, a well-chosen pairing is essential. Consider pairing it with a creamy seafood risotto, or with a pan-seared duck breast served with a honey-glazed apricot reduction. The wine’s richness will harmonize with the smooth texture of the risotto, while its vibrant acidity will cut through the delicate softness of the duck breast. Enjoy!KTIMA BIBLIA CHORA | Ovilos | 2024
variety: assyrtiko | semillon
country: Greece
region: Macedonia | Pangeon
rating: 95.7

The legacy of Ktima Biblia Chora is rooted in a commitment to quality and innovation. Since its inception, the winery has emphasized sustainability, utilizing state-of-the-art winemaking techniques to ensure that each bottle reflects the essence of the Pangeon terroir. The estate’s prized vineyards are organically farmed, emphasizing a commitment to sustainable practices and showcasing the health of their unique ecosystem.

© The WineStatistics ratings are based solely on our own knowledge of the world of wine and on our personal wine tastes, which may, or may not, differ from yours – the reader. Just remember that there are no absolutes of right and wrong in wine appreciation. Cheers!