Skouras Anassa (2012)

It can be a little daunting when it comes to Greek wine.  For starters, There is some degree of intimidation in the names of the grapes. Agiorghitiko. Mavrodaphne. Tsaoussi.  Moschofilero.  Those names have often left my tongue tied.  When I was recently making Galopoúla me Dendrolivano for my beautiful Angel, I needed a Greek wine to use in the dish (and, of course, to pair with afterwards).  I perused the Greek wine at a local grocery store and found the Skouras Anassa, which is a blend of a familiar grape and a less familiar one.

Skouras started in 1986 in Pyrgela, Aros, and it has worked with both indigenous and international grape varietals.  The Anassa represents that combination of local and international, because it is a blend of 70% Moschofilero and 30% Viognier.  The emphasis on Moschofilero provides this wine with its Greek character, as that grape is well known for its floral aromas and spicy tones, while the Viognier contributes some fruit, such as pears and peaches, as well as minerality to the taste of the wine.

When it comes to Anassa, it pours a very light, pale color.  The wine is described as being a medium bodied white wine with  aromas of ripe apricot, citrus and orange peel, finishing with a clean, crisp finish.  As for myself, I could sense the citrus and even some apple in the aroma.  Those apples carry over to the taste of the wine, which also included bright lemons and some slate.  The citrus somewhat mellowed as the wine warmed up, leaving the minerality (that is, the slate) to shine through as the finish brings a tart bite on the tongue.  

When it comes to pairings, this wine works very well with poultry, such as the Galopoúla me Dendrolivano (Rosemary Turkey) or Katapoulo me Dendrolivano (Rosemary Chicken).  I think that it would also work well with a variety of seafood dishes, which are plentiful in Greek cuisine.  

I found this wine at a local grocery store.  It sells for about $10.99 a bottle.

ENJOY!

Kyklos Moschofilero (2011)

The author of the Odyssey and Illiad, Homer, once wrote described the region known today as Peloppenese as "Ampeloessa" or "full of vines."  This reference also meant that there were a lot of grapes and even more wine.  Although Homer described a land "full of vines," he did not mention the types of grapes that were growing in the region.  Homer's words, spoken and written thousands of years ago, still ring true today.  Peloppenese or Ampeloessa is still full of vines, including Moschofilero or Μοσχοφίλερο. 

Moschofilero is a white grape varietal, with a skin whose color is variously described as grey, pink or even purple.  The grape is a temperamental one, and, bad weather could easy affect a vintage.  If the conditions are right, Moschofilero grapes produce a crisp white wine, with floral aromas and a spicy tone on the palate.  Moschofilero wines often draw comparisons to Rieslings, Gewurtzraminers and Muscats, even though the grape bears no relationship to those varietals.  

I recently purchased a bottle of Kyklos Moschofilero.  The word "Kyklos" means circle, which, according to the label, is a reference to winemaker Yannis Voyatzis approach to cultivating the Moschofilero vines.  I tried to find out more information about how Voyatzis cultivates the vines; however, I was not very successful.

The wine pours a very light color.  The aroma of the wine had some floral elements, but the principal aroma was lemon and other citrus.  The wine typifies everything that I have read about Moschofilero ... a light, crisp wine that is full of citrus (lemons), melon and honeydew.

This wine could be paired with dishes much like a Spanish Albariño or a French Picpoul de Pinet.  In other words, this wine pairs best with lighter dishes, especially seafood dishes and salads.

I found this wine at a local grocery store. It sells for about $12.00 a bottle.  

ENJOY!