Moschofilero is a pinkskinned grape of many biotypes From the dozens of indigenous grapes used in todays Greek wines it stands apart It is not savoury Its aromatic highacid grapey profile place it stylistically between Argentinas Torrontes and Spains Albarinho Recent clonal research is offering a new lease of life to this ageing vineyard Thanks to the relentless work of VNB Nurseries ampelographer Kostas Bakasietas after a 12year research period the recently tasted 6 clones all offer gravitas namely structure and definition
Three names have made their mark on the Mantinia plateau in central Peloponnesos Andreas Cambass genius for selecting in the 1900s this cooler climate to make Champagne If you are ever visiting this laterripening region do pay a visit to what initially is a nondescript cementvat winery The significance of this so advanced in its time industrial piece of wine history still leaves one marvelling at the vision of this entrepreneur who built a drinks empire from a distillery on todays chic Rigilis Street His grape source The now mostly urban hillsides of Kaisiariani
The late Konstantinos Antonopoulos was a scion of important raisin merchants who in 1922 bought in auction the historic AchaiaClauss in the foothills of Patra His daring for 1993 Antonopoulos Vineyards Orina Ktimata was the first modern Moschofilero Bonedry and crisp it helped change thencurrent drinking habits from oxidisedoily to fresh tasting and vivacious Its meteoric from zero to hero commercial success was a game changer and put still dry Mantinia on the map
GreekCypriot Yiannis Tselepos has taken over the mantle He has committed much of his energies to exploring the potential of this region and its fragrant grape There is another approach which Tselepos has instigated that of naturally enriching the wine by allowing it on its natural fine sediment There is a lot of goodness in there and it fits the floral spicy character of Moschofilero like a glove Though his regular Mantinia is enjoyed in its youth this leesenriched blanc de gris takes some time to come into its own If there is an issue with this now smarter label and Mosellike bottle it is that it is made in a limited quantity There are lengthy periods when it is not available But it is worth the wait
Grey hued Rose petallychee fragrance Intense complex structure Seamless oak support leading to distinctive creamy apricot aftertaste Emphatic statement Full bodied Not for casual enjoyment Be adventurous chillies garlick cilantro lemongrass would be a great place to start Best 2015 2018
Wine: Ktima Tselepou Blanc de Gris
Year: 2014
Link: http://www.tselepos.gr
Score: 17
Type: White
Variety: Moschofilero
Area: Peloponnese