Averoff Winery & Distillery presents Chereso, the first cherry distillate ever produced in Greece.With this release, Averoff introduces a new category to the Greek spirits landscape, expanding the country’s distillation heritage beyond grape-based expressions.
By Denny Kallivoka
The idea was born from a single cherry tree standing within the Yiannets vineyard in Metsovo — among the vines and wildflowers. From this symbolic starting point came the decision to capture the full aromatic potential of ripe cherries, creating a clean, authentic fruit distillate that faithfully reflects the character of its raw material.
Raw Materials & Production Process
The selected variety is “Tragano” (Late Edessa cherry), harvested in late June at optimal ripeness.
Production includes:
- Gentle crushing of the cherries
- Fermentation at 10°C for 15 days, with skins and pits included
- Fractional distillation
- 12 months of maturation in stainless steel tanks
- Final dilution with ultra-purified reverse-osmosis water (free from chlorine, salts, and heavy metals)
The approach remains technically precise and focused on preserving the fruit’s aromatic purity and natural intensity.
Organoleptic Profile
On the nose, vivid cherry aromas are clearly defined, complemented by subtle spice notes, with cinnamon adding depth without overpowering the fruit.
On the palate, Chereso is smooth and balanced, with a soft texture and a long, distinctive cherry finish.
Serving
Best enjoyed chilled and served neat as a digestif, Chereso can also function as a base for contemporary cocktails.
It pairs particularly well with desserts featuring cherries or other red fruits.
