A Flowery Song

Background: This resinated white is made from a blend of Savatiano and Roditis, according to the winemaker’s website. At least I think that’s what it says; I don’t actually speak Greek, so other than picking out Σαββατιανό and Ροδίτης I’m at a loss.

Nose: Fresh mown grass, with fir tree overtones.

Taste: Musky and floral, with a lightly acid bite. Earthy, resinous…resin.

Overall: Possibly the best retsina available locally, well balanced and pairing well with fatty fish (or even leftover pizza).

Background: Apparently one of the most popular wines in Greece, though that could just be marketing bumpf. Like most retsina, it’s made from Savatiano and like all retsina, it’s additionally flavoured with pine resin.

Nose: Musky floral scent.

Taste: Fruity and lacking in acidity, with a bit of pine.

Overall: Not impressed.

Background: This dry white wine from Greece is produced by Cambas Winery from Moschofilero grapes grown at high altitude in the Mantinia region.

Nose: Light and flowery, with some hints of rose petal, peach, and lime.

Taste: Also very light, with fresh flavours of peach and plum and some surprising minerality. Medium acidity and a lingering limestone finish.

Overall: Very laid back and easy drinking. Perfect for sipping in the summertime, which throws the fact that I’m drinking it the day after a light snowfall into stark relief. Good thing I never claimed to be good at adhering to proper seasonal thinking.

Background: Organic rosé wine made from 100% Moschofilero. This varietal is more normally used for white wines, but some producers use extended contact with the pinkish skins to add colour and deepen flavour.

Nose: Floral rose and ripe watermelon.

Taste: Dry, with a medium-light acidity and some strawberry notes join the rose and watermelon.

Overall: A light, versatile wine that matches well to a wide range of food.

Background: Greek white wine made from Savatiano grapes, with pine resin added. This style is said to have originated from the practice of sealing storage vessels with pine resin to keep air out.

Presentation: Clear glass bottle, cork closure. Pours a light yellow with a greenish tinge. 11.5% ABV

Nose: Musky floral presence from the wine, earthy pine resin over top.

Taste: Thin, fruity flavour with a medium pine influence; long, tingly finish. Low acidity; wine appears to be off-dry.

Overall: Decent summer white. Fairly balanced, and the pine resin isn't overpowering.

Well, it's Wednesday, which must mean it's time for another Wine Blogging Wednesday. This one is hosted by Dr. Vino and the theme is indigenous grape varietals. So, with that in mind I decided that a visit to Greece was in order.

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I must admit, sentiment drove this choice. The very first wine I ever had was a Moschofilero, so it seemed an appropriate selection for my first time participating in WBW.

Moschofilero is an aromatic pink-skinned grape that is indigenous to the Peloponessos region of Greece, and is used mainly in the production of premium white wines. Though it was at one time thought that it was related to Traminer, this appears to be false. Wines produced from this delicate cultivar tend to be subtle and crisp, with medium to high acidity.

Boutari Moschofilero 2006

Background: Dry white wine made from 100% Moschofilero grapes grown in high elevation vineyards in Mantinia. Boutari's wines are widely available in the U.S., usually at a fairly good price which makes them a good introduction to Greek wines.

Presentation: Clear glass bottle; the attractive label features Dionysus in Spring. Pours a clear light yellow. 11.5% ABV

Nose: Melon and rose petals on a background of musky fruit.

Taste: Lively acidity, pleasant lemony citrus, intense fruit and a long, slightly bitter finish.

Overall: Nicely balanced, crisp white wine. Not the best Moschofilero out there, but quite drinkable.

Background: Ouzo is an anise-flavoured Greek liqueur. Metaxa Ouzo appears to be fairly well regarded, and is very widely available.

Nose: Strongly anise, with a nutty background.

Taste: Smooth, medium sweetness, with a strong anise flavour. Long, oily finish.

(After dilution)

Nose: Still anise. Maybe a bit of lemon.

Taste: The same. Bitterness in the background.

Overall: Fairly nice. Very smooth drinking, not a lot of depth. Only get this if you like the taste of anise.