The allure of the Old World in wine and culture holds a special place in the hearts of born romantics like me. The charm and beauty that for thousands of years has tempted people to visit and live in the Mediterranean, is offered to us in the oils, foods, and or course its wine. Greece and Italy have given us sculpture, architecture, and forms the basis of our society today. Both counties have wine as a constant at the dinner table. We hope you discover a little romance in the bottle I have chosen to write about in this edition of “VinoVent”.
Skouras Moscofilero 2006. $17.49/750 ml.
In ancient times, Greece played a crucial role in the development of the wine culture of Europe. Nearly two thousand years of foreign occupation took a toll on her fortunes, yet many of Greece's rich viticultural resources remain intact. During the last forty years the Greek wine industry has struggled to regain its name. Now, armed with an ocean of indigenous cultivars, a superior climate for grape growing, and an abundance of brainpower and technological resources, Greek wine now presents exciting new--and ancient--possibilities for wine lovers around the world. (1)
In the past two decades, Greece has undergone a revolution in which quality, individuality and history are the hallmarks of a new generation of Greek wine producers determined to make their mark abroad. George Skouras is one of those producers. We hope you try his wine. (2)
Terroir & Wine Making: Classic white wine vinification, stem crusher, low pressure pneumatic presses and fermentation under controlled low temperature at 16°C. The Peloponnese covers an area of some 21,549 km² (8,320 square miles) and constitutes the southernmost part of mainland Greece. The peninsula has mountainous interior and deeply indented coasts. The incredibly rocky soil is a hard place for most crops to grow, but grapes for wine thrive on this type of barren soil. The harder the vines struggle to generate fruit, the better the wine. The cool breezes off the sea at night assist the fruit in cooling down at night after a hot day in the sun. Both the days and nights made character in the wine itself. (2)
Tasting Profile: The Moscofilero is a luscious white, with essence of peach and ripe pear and some spicy notes. The finish is soft and supple. In some ways you will see a similarity to Italy’s Pinot Grigio or France’s Chenin Blanc.
Food Pairing: This wine is really versatile. You could drink this as an aperitif’ or just sitting around on the patio after a long day. The food to pair though is something light. Try a really loaded Greek Salad with feta, olives, and oil & vinegar dressing. Or perhaps a nice white fish caught right out of the Mediterranean Sea and cooked on an open fire on the beach….ahh to dream.
Stella Montepuliciano d’Abruzzo, 2007. $8.99/750ml.
Italy has been a home of great wines and cheap wines through the ages. Some areas are much more well known than others. Tuscany and the Piedmont area have produced great wines and received great notoriety, but some of the “lesser” areas can and do produce spectacular wines or very good & inexpensive wines. Montepuliciano d’Abruzzo is one of the latter. These wines are considered table wines to be drunk every day, and with the low price of the following wines we can drink it is an everyday wine.
Terroir & Wine Making: The region is situated at the centre of the Italian peninsula facing the Adriatic, which it follows along 150 km of beaches and rocks. With an area of 10,794 km2 (4,168 sq mi), and bordered on the east by the Adriatic and on the west by the Apennines, it is one of the most mountainous regions in Italy. The climate is varied - hot and dry on the coast, harsh and cold in the interior. This weather, combined with the steep mountainous terrain is what makes this wine so alluring and so food friendly. As a first indication, it is believed that around 65% of the production is sold across Italy, while 25% remains in the region. The final 10% is exported. Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is made almost exclusively with grapes from vines of the same name, with the possible small addition of other grapes from recommended and/or authorized red grape vines. (1)
Tasting Profile: Bright ruby red in color with delicious aromas of black cherries, strawberries, and herbs, Stella Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is dry and mellow with concentrated structure. It is best enjoyed young, in order to fully appreciate its fruity varietal character. Montepulciano d’Abruzzo undergoes minimal aging at the winery.
Food Pairing: What wine from Italy could not be enjoyed with typical Italian dishes, red meats, pizza, and cheese, but think of grilled pork loin with a teriyaki marinade? What a great match
this will be!
1. Wikipedia. 2. Skouras website.
