Dougos winery was founded in 1991 by Thanos and Louiza Dougos. Thanos is the viticulturist and Louiza is the winemaker and together they make wines from indigenous Greek varieties as well as blends with international grapes. They also operate one of Greece's oldest vine nurseries, which was established in 1950. Production is small, peaking at around 70,000 bottles per year. The winery is located in the Tempi Valley, on the foothills of Mt. Olympus, in what constitutes the PDO Rapsani, in the Thessaly region. The vineyards are planted in iron-rich schist soils at altitudes of 450-700 meters. These soils are poor and the iron content is important as it helps regulate the water capacity of the soil. The vineyards are cultivated without the use of irrigation, at low yields, and are certified organic.

The wines are very true to their origin and are always elegant, refined and expressive, and never dominated by new oak. In fact, the 300l barrels used (Acacia for the Assyrtiko and French/American oak for the reds) are always only lightly or not at all toasted, in order to not overpower the intricate qualities of the varieties. The main varieties cultivated here are the indigenous Assyrtiko, Xinomavro, Krasato, Stavroto, and Limniona. The last three varieties are local to Thessaly. By law, Rapsani PDO wines must be a blend of Xinomavro, Krasato and Stavroto. The two local varieties (Xinomavro has its home in Macedonia) are used to tame the rustic, tannic character of Xinomavro, which makes for more supple and approachable wines, though never at the expense of character or structure.

 

"Our Greek range has been my biggest surprise since setting up - and Douglas wines has been a big part of that. The acacia white is astounding - as is this - from grape varietals I’ve never heard of - expensive - but beautiful. 60YO vines, baroloesque in style, and a huge amount of aromas, flavours and character oozing out of the glass. Coupled with the structure, complexity and balance I can’t recommend this highly enough!" Tasted 14 April 2022.

'Translucent garnet with bricky rim. Like the straight Rapsani 2020 in character but more intense, even more classic Rapsani character, tangy notes of wild red fruits all tangled up with a suggestion of leather and, again, dried tomato and some wild herbs. That intensity on the palate, too, even though the fruit is vibrant rather than rich. The tannins are very dry and very fine, the acidity mouth-watering. Just a touch of oak in evidence. Quite challenging if you are not familiar with Rapsani (or Xinomavro) but a great example of this appellation. Needs time. Really persistent. A classic. Drink 2026 – 2034.' Julia Harding