Domaine Porto Carras S.A.

Porto Carras, Sithonia, Chalkidiki 63081 Porto Carras Chalkidiki Region: Macedonia / Μακεδονια Phone: +30 210 9949809 Fax: +30 210 9949457 Internet: www.portocarras.com

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This wine estate has its headquarters in Thessaloniki ín the Makedonia wine-growing region in Greece. It was founded in the early 1960’s by shipping magante and multi-millionaire Ioanni Carras. It was his ambitious aim to initiate a new era in Greek wine-making, and to produce the best wine in Greece. The total size of the property is 1.800 hectares, the terraced vineyards cover an area of 350 hectares, and are located on the coast of the Aegean on Sithonia, the middle finger of the Chalkidike peninsula. They make up the entire appellation Côtes de Meliton. The use of French terms is intentional, as French examples are followed with regard to grape varieties, vinification and maturation. In an area that previously had no viticulture at all, a series of methodical experiments was initiated. Under the supervision of experts, professors of the university of Thessaloniki, as well as of Professor Émile Peynaud of the university of Bordeaux, extensive research was begun. In parts, the forest has been maintained to provide a natural windbreak, and to moderate high temperatures. In other parts, whole hillsides have been reshaped using bulldozers in order to obtain a better aspect in relation of the sun. 27 different grape varieties were initially planted, including 13 French and 14 Greek varieties. Studies showed that the French vines grew better at higher altitudes (300 to 400 metres), while the indigenous varieties fared best at altitudes of approx. 200 to 300 metres. The vineyards are planted with the following French varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cinsault, Sauvignon Blanc, Ugni Blanc, as well as with the following indigenous varieties: Assyrtiko, Athiri, Limnio, Malagouisa, Roditis and Xynomavro. 60% of the area is planted with white varieties, the remainder with red varieties. The first grapes were harvested in 1972, but mistakes were made, and the entire production had to be destroyed, the winemaker was fired, and the well-known winemaker Evangelos Gerovassiliou was hired. The wines that are designed to be in a French style are matured in French oak, and are marketed under the name „Côtes de Meliton”. The premium red wine „Château Carras” is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Limnio. The „Domaine Porte Carras” brand includes wines made predominantly from Greek grape varieties. There were severe financial problems in the early 1990’s, and came to a total stop in 1997. The estate was finally sold in 1999, and has been under new management since 2000.