Producer Profile

Garalis

Manolis Garalis, a third-generation wine grower, embarked on a journey to transform his high-quality organic grapes into exceptional wines by establishing his own winery in 2006. With the release of his inaugural wines in 2007, he unveiled the fruits of his labor, cultivating Limnos island's Limnio and Muscat of Alexandria varieties across 5 hectares of sulfuric volcanic soil. Limnio, celebrated as the oldest referenced grape globally, traces its roots back to ancient times, lauded by Aristotle, Homer, and other Greek philosophers as "Limnia Ampelos." Meanwhile, Muscat of Alexandria gained prominence in the 1920s when introduced to Lemnos by Egyptian immigrants. Embracing Lemnos's volcanic terrain, Garalis adopts a "hands-off" approach.

Where The Wines Come From

Lemnos

Lemnos, a tranquil island nestled in the Aegean Sea, is emerging as a promising destination for natural winemaking. With its unique microclimate characterized by hot summers and mild winters, Lemnos offers favorable conditions for cultivating indigenous grape varieties such as Muscat of Alexandria and Limnio. Winemakers on the island are increasingly embracing organic and biodynamic farming methods, prioritizing sustainability and respect for the land. In the cellar, minimal intervention is the guiding principle, with spontaneous fermentations and aging in neutral vessels allowing the true expression of the grapes and terroir to shine through. The resulting natural wines from Lemnos are a testament to the region's pristine beauty and winemaking tradition, with their vibrant flavors, elegant textures, and a sense of place that captures the essence of this enchanting Greek island.