THEWINEMONOLOGUES.COM: 2nd New Varietal of 2010-- Moschofilero

2nd New Varietal of 2010-- Moschofilero

I have heard from some that Greece is starting to make good wine, particularly white wines. I just never thought I would come across one so soon. On the advice of local wine guru Kristin Jonna, owner of Vinology in Ann Arbor, and on the lookout for my second new varietal of 2010, I was recently searching for Moschofilero (Mos ko fee' le ro). Had no idea where to really look (Vinology had sold all of their bottles) for a Greek wine, when one evening last week, while just wasting time in a Trader Joe's, there it was. . . Boutari Moschofilero!!

A distinct aromatic grape from within the AOC region of Mantinia, in the Peloponnese, Moschofilero grapes have a gray colored skin and therefore produce a wine that is a blanc de gris. Its crisp character and beautiful floral aroma of roses and violets with hints of spices can be drunk as an aperitif or with food. www.allaboutgreekwine.com/varieties.htm#moschofilero

The 2006 Boutari Moschofilero has a light straw color. Lots of green apple, minerals, a bit of sea salt and tropical fruits on the nose. Great acidity on the mid-palate. Lots of the same nice flavors that I got on the nose I also got on the taste. Perfect as an aperitif or with food, it is not an overly complex wine, but it is a very pleasant wine. It only comes in at 11% alcohol so it is the perfect summer "porch wine". Price is not bad either. . . about $12 per bottle. Go out and try something really new. . . a Greek wine!!