Greek Wine Secrets: Stamatis Mylonas on Savatiano & Attica's Terroir | Sparks by VinoVonk

<p>🍷 Welcome to Sparks by VinoVonk - where beautiful wine stories come to life</p><p>In this fascinating episode, host Jeroen Vonk travels (virtually) to Greece to meet Stamatis Mylonas, the third-generation winemaker behind Mylonas Winery in the Attica region. Located just 35 miles south of Athens, this UNESCO-protected terroir holds secrets that date back to ancient times.</p><p>What makes this conversation extraordinary? Stamatis reveals how the indigenous Savatiano grape - often underrated due to its association with Retsina - can produce world-class white wines that age for 10+ years while maintaining remarkable freshness. This isn&#39;t theory - Jeroen tastes a 2016 Gran Reserva that spent 2.5 years in oak and 5 years in bottle, and the results are mind-blowing.</p><p>🔑 EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:</p><ul><li>Discover why Attica&#39;s soils contain 750 of the world&#39;s 5,500 known minerals - the same earth that funded the construction of the Parthenon through ancient silver mining. </li><li>Learn how 55+ year-old bush vines, all hand-harvested, create intensity and complexity that rivals wines three times the price.</li><li>Stamatis shares his family&#39;s journey from bulk wine producers (since 1917) to internationally recognized winemakers, with wines featured on the prestigious Great Greek Wines list curated by Master of Wine Yiannis Karakasis.</li></ul><p>💡 KEY INSIGHTS:</p><ul><li>Why indigenous Greek varieties are the future of Greek wine (300+ varieties to explore)</li><li>How old vines on mineral-rich soils create age-worthy wines</li><li>The value proposition of Greek wines in today&#39;s market</li><li>Building quality partnerships with growers (Stamatis prunes alongside them at 6 AM!)</li><li>Strategic use of oak: large casks and old barrels to highlight terroir, not overpower it</li><li>Why people are &quot;drinking less but better&quot; - and how Greek wines fit perfectly</li></ul><p>🍇 WINES DISCUSSED:• Mylonas Savatiano 2024• Mylonas Assyrtiko 2024• Mylonas Cuvee Vouno Savatiano 2020This episode is perfect for:</p><p>✓ Wine enthusiasts seeking discoveries</p><p>✓ Professionals in the beverage industry</p><p>✓ Anyone interested in Mediterranean culture and history</p><p>✓ Fans of terroir-driven, authentic winemaking</p><p>🎁 SPECIAL THANKS:</p><p>Oenopolis, the leading Dutch importer of Greek wines, provided wines for this episode. Visit: https://oenopolis.vin</p><p>🌐 LEARN MORE:</p><p>Mylonas Winery: https://www.mylonas-wines.gr/en/</p><p