Wines Drama Château Julia - Chardonnay - 2024

Château Julia’s 2024 Cuvée Chardonnay from the Drama appellation in Macedonia, Greece, is a white wine with a vibrant modern character. Although Chardonnay is suggested as the principal grape, Greek terroir often brings an added layer of freshness and unique minerality, shaped by the local climate and soils. The 2024 vintage is likely to display lively aromas—expect notes of citrus, green apple, white peach, and a touch of floral or herbal nuance, complemented by subtle oak or creaminess if some barrel aging was employed. Due to the relatively recent vintage and the emphasis on the “sec” (dry) style, the wine should offer crisp acidity and a clean, bright finish.

Drama, located in northern Greece’s Macedonia region, is an up-and-coming area for high-quality whites. This region boasts a harmonious blend of Mediterranean and continental influences: warm summers allow grapes to ripen beautifully, while the cool nights, shaped by the proximity of Mount Falakro and elevations around 200–400 metres, help retain acidity and aromatic complexity. Soils in Drama are typically alluvial with limestone and clay—a mix that favours freshness and structure in Chardonnay. Winemaking in this area has experienced a renaissance in recent decades, combining modern techniques with respect for local traditions, and estates such as Château Julia are at the forefront of this movement.

Such a lively Greek Chardonnay pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Classic seafood is a natural choice: try grilled sea bream, octopus salad with lemon and olive oil, or prawns saganaki. Poultry in creamy sauces, like chicken with tarragon, or even a fresh Greek salad with feta, will also harmonise well, as the wine’s acidity will cut through fat and enhance herbal notes.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this white at 8–10°C. Pour slightly chilled, and allow the glass to warm gently in hand to release the wine’s bouquet, savouring a taste of both Greek sunshine and modern craftsmanship.