There are several good stories on Crete this is one of them Spina is a village that lies on the western foothills of the Lefka Ori mountain range 2400m What is left today is all of 15 hectares of this fragrant Moschato Ampelographers claim it is a clone of Muscat blanc a petit grains Almost lost but not forgotten Manolis Strataridakis went to visit a friend in Chania who took him to Spina He had nothing like this on his paternal farm in Ano Kasteliana in south central Iraklion which is over a two hour drive due east so he sourced cuttings
When planting a grape there is no guarantee it will find its stride in its new home Many factors enter into the equation It may take up to 8 years to see if it stacks up in the real world Manolis and his brother Kostis studied agriculture Vines have been in the family since 1955 Olives and pistachio nuts are some of their other crops The spotlessly kept winery is now reaching its 10th anniversary Consulting oenologist Giannis Halkoutsis is on board All of their wines are of a high standard Partially explained by selecting clones that are less productive yet suited to producing fine wine Their smallberried Kotsifali is a case in point But there is something else too Their address claims the distinction of Europes southernmost winery Map position 35 N23461N 25 142354 E The Strataridakis Bros are readily appreciative of Mount Asterousia 1231m If it were not for the mountain protecting us from the hot Libyan air we would be roasting Despite a modicum of climate change the diurnal temperature during grape season swings from 35C to 18C There is something more than a passing interest in this reviewed specialty The aromatics of Muscat in this case follow through intact on the palate in all their glory Another of the lesser known grapes on this island rich in wine heritage has been reinvented The Strataridakis Bros have the professionalism to welcome constructive criticism and adapt Greek wine needs more of this pragmatic realism
Platinum pale green White flower fragrance Wet pebbles Bone dry pungent grapey mid palate with juicy notes on a crystalline finish Lucent Beautifully balanced It possesses a structured refreshment factor ideal as an aperitif or to brighten up spicy dishes One of the more striking dry Moschatos In this style above anything now on offer from Lemnos or Samos and that is saying a lot A rising star
Wine: Strataridakis Moschato Spinas
Year: 2015
Link: http://www.strataridakis.gr
Score: 17
Type: White
Variety: Moschato Spinas
Area: Crete