Achaia Clauss Wine Co. was founded by Gustav Clauss, a native Bavarian, who in 1854 decided to settle in Patras after a business trip to the region. He was so enthused with the beauty of Greece's natural landscape, especially of Patras, Achaia, which is located in the northwest Peloponnese. Hence, he built a castle and within its walls he made a wine factory." His first wine was Mavrodaphne, a transplant from the Ioanian Islands. It has been said that it was his Iberian approach to vinification and love for sweet wine that made Mavrodaphne a successful crop in the region and subsequently, an appellation wine. Mavrodaphne and Muscat of Patras were first produced in 1854 for himself and friends. While the winery was built in 1861, it was not until 1873 that he introduced Mavrodaphne and Muscat in cork finished bottles. In 1880, Demestica was introduced from the village of Demestiha. In 1901, Demestica became the first bottled dry wine of Greece. Today, the Achaia Clauss Wine Co. is one of the largest wineries in Greece and the largest exporter of cork-sealed Greek wine exporting to forty-two countries. Its portfolio includes thirty-two wines and four spirits ranging from young, refreshing wines to boutique style wines with depth and richness.
Achaia Clauss Demestica Red
Wine Type: Dry Red Wine
Wine category: Protected Geographical Indication Peloponnese
Region: Panachaikon Mountain Slopes, Achaia, Peloponnese
Grape Varieties: 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Agiorgitiko
Characteristics: This wine offers an intense bouquet of red fruits. Red cherries and raspberries on the nose are followed by smooth tannins and red fruits on the palate. A very pleasant, easy drinking, light-bodied wine with a fruity finish and subtly spicy and long-lasting finish.
Ageing: 8 months in French Oak
Alcohol: 13% by Volume
Achaia Clauss Demestica Demestica Rose
Wine Type: Dry Rose Wine
Wine category: Protected Geographical Indication Achaia
Region: Patras Hillside, Achaia, Peloponnese
Grape Varieties: 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% Dry Mavrodaphne
Characteristics: A light-bodied dry rose with a fresh, fruity and aromatic nose and very distinct characteristics.
Alcohol: 13% by Volume
Achaia Clauss Demestica White
Wine Type: Dry White Wine
Wine category: Protected Geographical Indication Peloponnese
Region: Panachaikon Valley, Achaia, Peloponnese
Grape Variety: 100% Moscofilero
Characteristics: Light yellow color with gold hues. Aromas of lemon, citrus and notes of honey dominate the nose. The citrus aromas on the palate harmonize with the vibrant acidity leading to a refreshing finish.
Alcohol: 12.5% by Volume
Gustav Clauss Estate
Wine Type: Dry Red Wine
Wine category: Protected Geographical Indication Slopes of Petroto
Region: Petroto Estate, Patras, Achaia, Peloponnese
Grape Varieties: 60% Oak Aged Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Dry Mavrodaphne
Characteristics: Intense flavors of fruit throughout. Laced with a touch of plum, vanilla and rhubarb. It is straightforward but rich and quite tasty.
Ageing: 12 months in French Oak
Alcohol: 14% by Volume
A rich garnet red color combined with a complex and highly structured aroma of sweet red and black fruits, make up this delicious wine. Well-rounded and delicate, this wine brings out a velvety soft bouquet of black fruit and vanilla that spreads and concentrates on the inside of the palate. Perfectly balanced with adequate acidity and soft tannins, it leaves a long finish.
Ideal enjoyed on its own but can also accompany most red meat dishes as well as Greek cheeses. Serve at room temperature, 16-18°C.
Gustav Clauss Mavrodaphne of Patras
Wine Type: Red Dessert Wine
Wine category: Protected Designation of Origin Patras
Region: Patras Hillsides, Achaia, Peloponnese
Grape Varieties: 60% Mavrodaphne and 40% Black Corinthian
Characteristics: A full-bodied red dessert wine that dates back to 1854, Mavrodaphne has a rich yet delicate taste and a port style aroma with hints of coffee, toffee and rich, spicy nuts. Refined raisin and black cherry fruit flavors are layered with smoky, caramel tones.
Ageing: Blended with 2, 4, 6 and 8-year-old vintages.
Alcohol: 15% by Volume
Dark amber color with brown hues and an aromatic intensity of a sweet fruit bouquet with distinct presence of figs. The main feature of this unique wine is the complexity of its aromas and flavors. Its discreet acidity helps unleash a rich aroma of caramelized fruits, like dried figs. Its long-lasting aromatic aftertaste confirms how unique this wine is.
Mavrodaphne wine is ideal as an aperitif, with nuts, dried fruit, but also as a dessert wine, excellently accompanying fruit, yellow cheese, ice creams, creams, pastries and even chocolate. Highly flexible, it can even be enjoyed with crushed ice, ranking it among the most refreshing summer drinks. Serve at 12-14°C.
Gustav Clauss Muscat of Patras
Wine Type: White Dessert Wine
Wine Category: Protected Designation of Origin Patras
Region: Patras Hillsides, Achaia, Peloponnese
Grape Variety: 100% White Muscat
Characteristics: The winery’s most prized wine, Muscat is a full-bodied white dessert wine with a medium gold color that combines a delightful burnt honey taste with a slightly nutty aroma that suggests a hint of orange.
Alcohol: 15% by Volume
Light golden color with green hues with honey and lemon scents composing a highly aromatic bouquet. Its lively acidity level binds the flavors and boosts the basic flavor and structure of this great sweet wine. The finish is long with a prevailing taste of honey.
Muscat of Patras can be an ideal aperitif accompanied by roasted almonds, dried apricots, glazed fruit and also a dessert wine combined with fruit, pastries, orange cream, ice cream and sorbet. It perfectly complements strong cheeses. Best served at 8-10°C.