Anatolikos Vineyards, in the northernmost coastal vineyard of Greece, and the Nikolaidis brothers, in particular, are responsible for the revival of the great variety of the region, Mavroudi. With great devotion towards organic farming, they have consistently created outstanding wines with many international distinctions. Their love for what they do and their willingness to experiment have led them to produce some of the best, natural wines, fermented in amphora in our country and abroad.
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Brothers Sakis & Marios Nikolaidis
Brothers Marios and Sakis Nikolaidis are the driving force of Anatolikos Vineyard. The vision of the Nikolaidis brothers, for reviving indigenous local varieties and vinification of natural wines in amphora, which once was considered madness, has surpassed us all. They revived Mavroudi of Thrace with great success and within a few years, they managed methodically and with hard work to set an example for their fine wines and a reference point for natural wines in Greece.
Their distinctive philosophy is summarized by organic farming practices, minimal intervention in winemaking, little or no sulphites added, and spontaneous ferments that provide a distinctive fingerprint to their wines. Their love for what they do and willingness to experiment with amphora fermentation has led them to produce incredible natural wines that are nothing short of exceptional!
The Treasures of Avdira lies in its Soil
In 2000, Avdira, known since ancient times as a city of Thrace, began the revival of its vineyard plots from antiquity. Participating in this initiative, Anatolikos started the cultivation of Greek and international grape varieties, whilst applying the principles of organic agriculture in 2005.
The area of Avdira offers an ideal environment for the cultivation of vineyards. The summers bring a necessary amount of rainfall with evenings of low temperatures. What’s interesting about this area is that its vineyard parcels are composed of granite and crystalline rocks. This, coupled with being located on the gentle slopes of the Abdera plateau, creates a fertile environment for vines to thrive.
Back to Natural Winemaking
“At Anatolikos Vineyards we count on two great successes. The revival of the indigenous local variety Mavroudi of Thrace and the first natural vinification in a traditional amphora with the first Natural Orange Wine in Greece” says Marios Nikolaidis. Despite the winery’s young age, the brothers already practise biodynamic farming techniques and even strive to bring back ancient winemaking methods in creating their range of natural wines. This means using only native yeasts, not adding sulphites, fermentation in traditional amphoras and not intervening with the natural fermentation process.
“A good wine is meant to be bottled, to have something special, to bring out the place that “gave birth”, to evolve in the glass and not to be repeated, to be characterized by complexity and of course to enjoy it with good company.” – Marios Nikolaidis
Back to Natural Winemaking
Anatolikos grows many Greek varieties such as the Moschato, Assyrtiko, Malagouzia, Mavroudi and Limnio along with some international ones. The brothers are trying to dispel the myth that white wines are supposed to be drunk fresh.” This is something that is wrongly impressed on the conscience of most wine lovers because of the “rush” of many winemakers” – Marios Nikolaidis
“A good wine is meant to be bottled, to have something special, to bring out the place that “gave birth”, to evolve in the glass and not to be repeated, to be characterized by complexity and of course to enjoy it with good company.” – Marios Nikolaidis
Check out their range of pioneering and exciting wines through the link below!