Dalamara Paliokalias: A Greek Grand Cru in Naoussa region

Ktima Dalamara history is one of the oldest in the Greek wine scene, dating back to 1840. Today on the lead is Kostis Dalamaras, a hugely talented winemaker, marking the sixth generation of a family of winemakers. He is positively supported by his wife Maria Doulgeridou. In total 5.7 hectares of organically grown grapes are cultivated in Naoussa region, mostly Xinomavro bringing total production to approximately 30.000 bottles.

The most symbolic, signature and characterful wine is their single vineyard Paliokalias Naoussa which was acquired in 1960 - the original part is the Barba Giorgis and V3-V6 parcels shown in the center of the map pictured below, The remaining parcels were gradually added later on to almost 5 hectares. In the central part of the vineyard 0.32 ha of vines have survived from phylloxera and are planted on their own roots. These magnificent vines planted in the early 20's produce a stunning red called Vignes Franches, alas only in few vintages.

Soils in Paliokalias, Gastra and Polla Nera

The tasting started with the Naoussa 2015 which is a recent addition to the line up (production is 10.000 bottles) and then progressed to three different terroirs, Polla Nera, Gastra and of course Paliokalias:

Naoussa 2015 fruity, juicy, structured yet already approachable. 91/100

Polla Nera 2015 (not released commercially since it is a part of the blend of Naoussa - one of the coolest terroirs in the north of Naoussa) perfumed, elegant, light bodied. 90/100

Les Vignes aux Noyers 2015 (Gastra terroir - one of the two warmest terroirs in the region) Dark fruit, chocolate, full bodied. 92/100

Paliokalias 2015 oregano, perfumed, sweet fruit. 94/100 

For the vertical of Paliokalias that followed seven vintages were presented starting from the maiden 1997. Until 2000 Paliokalias uses fruit from only family - owned vineyards while from 2001 the family started working with other growers. Dalamaras says that because they witnessed lots of ups and downs they decided to work again exclusively with their own fruit from 2009 onwards. Moreover he adds that for Paliokalias only the best parcels and mostly old vines are included of 30 years of age on average. For 2015 only 3.028 bottles were released. 

The first flight included 2001, 2003 and 2005 and the second one 2011 which was the first vintage of Kostis Dalamaras, 2013 and the current 2015. Last but not least the very first vintage of 1997 was also served. The ''Anatomy of a terroir Paliokalias vertical'' proved clearly the progression in the quality of the wine and the two different eras of the wine. The evolution to elegance, refinement of tannins and more complexity is evident rising Dalamara Paliokalias to a Greek Grand Cru status. 

Some other interesting observations are:

- Alcohol from 12.50% in 1997 has risen to over 13.50% starting from the 2005 vintage. 2010 and 2011 are 14% and 14.2% abv respectively. This is consistent with the 1.1% abv rise in Naoussa over the last twenty year period (Y. Karakasis: Rise of Alcohol in Naoussa PDO 1994-2013);

- pH and TA rising and decreasing respectively indicating inclusion of riper grapes in the wine;

- residual sugars rising with the spontaneous fermentation. For example 2011, 2012 and 2013 have all 3.71 g/lt and

- Total SO2 have decreased from 120 mg/lt to 60 mg/lt in 2015.

Finally some thoughts about the tannins of Paliokalias; in youthful vintages they maybe sometimes a bit harsh, needing  their time to integrate, although from the wines I have tasted there is an evolution to more refinement starting with the 2012 vintage. These are wines that need big glasses and proper decanting to nicely settle in your glasses.