VINO DI SASSO Robola Sclavos 2024

VINO DI SASSO Robola Sclavos, biodynamically farmed wine, 100% Robola grape variety, mineral, high acidity, elegant, long ageing potential.  These grapes come from 30 year old vines in the region of Robola in the mountainous area to the south of the Kefalonia Island about 650-700 meters above sea level.  Soils are mainly fragmented limestone and the microclimate is influenced hugely by the Ainos mountain.  Temperature differences help to create the high acidity that is characteristic of the variety. 

On tasting the 2024 vintage we found, fresh fruits, above all lemon, subtle grapefruit and white flowers.  The wine is characterised by its mineral quality, the name Vino di Sasso means Wine of the Stone and the taste, particularly in youth is definitely terroir driven, like spring water over rocks but also there is a saltiness and minerally finish.  On opening, we also found notes of pyrazine, slightly herbaceous cut grass aroma along with green apples, certainly a little Sauvignon Blanc about it.  With age, the mineral character of the wine tends to develop aromas of petroleum and a softer rounder palate.  Bourdeto (the island’s spicy fish stew which sadly we haven’t tried yet) is supposed to be the perfect match for this wine.

This exceptional winery in the jaw droppingly beautiful hills of Kefalonia was born in 1917 in the area of ​​Kechrion in Palli on the slopes of Laskaratos Hill.  Evryviadis Sklavou planted the first vines and started the family legacy of wine production before his grandson Spyros took over in 1990.  Spyros had the foresight to convert the beautiful vines of Mavrodaphne and Vostilidi (also called Bostilidi) to biodynamic viticulture and now his children are driving the winery forward into the 21st century.

The vineyards have expanded over the years with plantings of indigenous grapes like, Moschato, Moschatela, Robola Kefallinia, Tsaousi, and Zakynthino.  The current vines have an average age of 70 years.

Although they operate a state of the art modern winery, all vineyard and wine making activities are 100% natural and following biodynamic principles.  The wines are simply delicious, full of character and a unique flavour and charm that one always finds in Greek wine.  The prices are also exceptional considering the low yields, natural production and sheer quality of the wines.