Yomatari 2021 Domaine Ligas

Yomatari – Domaine Ligas

Vineyard philosophy

In the heart of Thessaly, Domaine Ligas cultivates its vineyards with a fully agroecological and natural approach, rejecting chemical treatments and favoring biodiversity. The native varieties Roditis and Assyrtiko grow in limestone-rich soils under a warm Mediterranean climate, encouraged to express their full character through respectful and low-intervention farming.

Winemaking approach

Yomatari is a radical retsina, a modern take on an ancient Greek tradition. The wine undergoes spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts, on the skins, and pine resin from Aleppo trees is added during fermentation. No fining, filtration, or sulfur is used. The result is a wine that preserves the balsamic, oxidative charm of classic retsina, with unexpected clarity and depth.

Tasting notes

Deep golden, slightly hazy in appearance, true to its unfiltered and skin-contact nature. The nose opens with intense resinous and herbal tones, layered with wild honey and citrus peel. On the palate, it’s textured and dry, with a distinctive interplay of resin, saltiness and acidity that leads to a long, crisp finish.

Technical sheet

• Region: Pella, Thessaly – Greece

• Grapes: Roditis and/or Assyrtiko

• Appellation: White Wine

• Soil: calcareous, sandy

• Vinification: spontaneous fermentation with pine resin, skin contact

• Aging: stainless steel and bottle

• Fining: none

• Filtration: none

• SO₂ added: none

• Production: limited

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Domaine Ligas – Natural Wines from Northern Greece

A family story of tradition and experimentation

Founded by Thomas Ligas in the 1980s in the village of Giannitsa, north of Thessaloniki, Domaine Ligas is a pioneer of natural winemaking in Greece. After studying oenology in France, Thomas embraced a radical, soil-focused approach with zero chemicals. Today, the estate is led by his children, Meli and Jason Ligas, who continue to evolve the vision while respecting their father’s legacy.

Living vineyards and local varieties

The vineyards are farmed using natural and regenerative methods, on sandy and calcareous soils surrounded by wild herbs and forests. No irrigation, herbicides, or systemic treatments are used. Indigenous varieties such as Roditis, Kydonitsa, Xinomavro, Limniona, and Assyrtiko are grown and expressed with purity.

Respectful and minimal intervention in the cellar

In the cellar, everything is done by gravity, with no fining or filtration. Native yeasts drive the fermentation, often with long skin contact and ageing in stainless steel, old wood or amphorae. The wines are alive, honest and vibrant, showing the land’s full identity.