A cool, mineral-driven wine, initially restrained but opening to reveal tangy notes of lemon
zest, grapefruit peel and lime blossom. A pure and precise citrus-driven profile with subtle
mineral freshness and gentle texture with a refreshing finish. A pure reflection of the Valley of the Muses.

About the Producer

His passion for wine and the millennia-old winemaking traditions of his homeland, led Nikolaos Zaharias to create a small winery in 1946 in Askri, in Central Greece, fulfilling his life-long dream. In 1967, his son, Athanasios Zaharias, entered the family business and brought with him dynamic and forward-thinking ideas, and gradually they transformed the small artisanal winery into a modern winery. In 2005, the year when ‘Muses Estate’ was created, it was time for the third generation Nikos, Stelios and Panayiotis, to take their place in the family business. Their skills, scientific knowledge and youthful ideas, combined with the family tradition and experience further enriched Muses Estate. From their vines grown on the slopes of the Valley of the Muses, at the foot of Mount Helicon, they aim to produce wines that are in perfect harmony with the ecosystem, and are representative of the historic terroir, as well as the family itself. They succeed: their exquisite wines are vibrant with mountain freshness that truly evoke the senses.

Vineyard and Winery

The Savatiano grapes come from estate and grower vineyards around Askri and Thespies in the Valley of the Muses, where the vineyards are located between 500-570 metres above sea level on slopes with a gradient of 3-7%. The terroir is characterised by a mild continental climate, with cool winters and warm summers, significantly moderated by downslope breezes from Mount Helicon. Soil composition varies from sandy-loam, promoting aromatic expression, to clay-loam, which imparts crucial texture and structure. The altitude and pronounced diurnal temperature range ensure a slow ripening process, essential for preserving natural acidity and freshness, key to the wine's distinctive style. The grapes come predominantly from old bush vines (goblet trained) some dating back to 1947, offering deep roots, inherent yield control, and vital canopy self-shading. These are supplemented by younger parcels trained with vertical shoot positioning. Sustainability is paramount, with integrated agriculture, cover cropping, and manual canopy management. The grapes are hand-harvested in the early morning hours to preserve delicate aromatics.

Fermentation took place at 18°C in stainless-steel tanks using selected yeasts. Each parcel was vinified separately and rested on its fine lees in stainless-steel tanks for approximately one month, with periodic stirring. After blending, the wine matured for another two months, during which a small percentage was aged in new concrete vats, enhancing mouthfeel and subtle complexity without the influence of oak. Named after the 700 Thespian volunteers who fought bravely at the Battle of Thermopylae, embodying courage, freedom and self-sacrifice, this wine symbolises the quiet strength and resilience of the Valley of the Muses.