Karnachalas
Introduction
Karnachalas (or Karnachalades) is one of the most iconic and resilient red varieties of Thrace, serving as the "heavy artillery" of the Evros vineyard. Although its name appears sporadically in other regions of Greece, its true homeland and the place where it delivers the most stunning results is Soufli and the wider area of Rhodope. It is a variety intertwined with the history of Eastern Rumelia and the refugee heritage.
Tasting Notes
- Color: Deep purple, almost black, with violet highlights that remain intense even after years. - Aromas: A "dark" palette of blackberries, dried plums, black pepper, smoke, and strong elements of forest and earth. - Palate: Robust and full-bodied, with high alcohol and tannins that have "personality." It possesses a characteristic acidity that allows it to age for decades.
Gastronomy
- Thracian Products: The perfect companion for kavourmas (beef or lamb) and Soufli sausages. - Game: Wild boar in the oven, deer or hare with heavy sauces. - Traditional Dishes: Babbo (Thracian recipe with offal and rice) or mutton with bulgur.
Terroir
- Region: Its absolute dominance is found in Northern Evros (Soufli, Didymoteicho). It is the grape that survived the hardships and climate changes of borderland Greece. - Terroir: It loves the clay and schist soils of Thrace. It is a "warrior" variety, extremely resistant to winter frost and summer heatwaves, essential characteristics for the continental climate of the area.
Summary
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