The Art of Tsipouro in Central Macedonia
In the heart of Central Macedonia, Greece, autumn heralds the season of grape ripening. The vineyards, heavy with plump, juicy grapes reach peak sweetness, the grapes are harvested and taken to a nearby distillery, a place where ancient traditions flourish.
At the distillery, the process of making tsipouro commences. The harvested grapes are crushed, releasing their sweet juice. The mixture is then transferred into large fermentation tanks, where yeast is added. Over the course of weeks, the bubbling fermentation transforms the sugary liquid into a rich brew filled with potential.
Next comes distillation. In the heart of the distillery, copper stills heat the fermented mixture. As the temperature rises, alcohol vapors ascended, twisting through the still and condensing into clear, fragrant tsipouro. This initial distillation produces a robust spirit, while a second round further refines its purity.
Eventually, the tsipourois bottled, capturing the essence of Macedonia’s vineyards in its crystalline form. Each bottle containes not just a spirit, but the very spirit of Central Macedonia, a testament to the harmony between nature and the age-old artistry of distillation.