Malagousia Pinotage Sangiovese Schioppettino Tempranillo
If you're looking for a Greek white wine packed full of interesting character and a wide range of unique and surprising aromas, then the wines made from the Malagousia grape varietal are unlikely to disappoint. Although this grape is said to have originated in and around Nafpaktos, in Western Greece, it is now most commonly grown, cultivated and processed in Greek Macedonia, where it is used to make high quality white wines of a highly aromatic nature. Indeed, Malagousia is renowned for producing wines which are full of unusual aromas, with many wines holding traces of jasmine, mint, citrus and exotic fruits, and occasionally a whole lot more.
It was the famous Greek wine maker Gerovassiliou who was said to be the first to experiment with the Malagousia grapes, which were previously used mainly by smallholders and families to produce simple house wines. Gerovassiliou recognized that Malagousia had the potential and the characteristics necessary for producing excellent quality wines, and before long, vineyards were being planted across Macedonia, the Peloponnese and Attica. Today, wines made with the Malagousia grapes tend to be full bodied, with a noticeable tannin content elegantly interplaying with the mellow, medium acidity of the wine. Such roundness allows all of these interesting and exciting flavors and aromas come forth, making for a truly fascinating and unique wine.
Additional Information on Greek Wines
Greek Wines
Ancient Greek Wines – A Brief History of Wine in Greece
The Myth of Dionysus, Greek God of Wine
What is Retsina?
Pinotage is the signature grape varietal of South Africa, and is the most widely grown grape in the country, as well as being common in several other countries around the world. It is a viticultural cross of two fine grape varietals, the Pinot Noir and the Cinsaut (known as Hermitage in South Africa, hence the portmanteau name), and is notable for the fact that it produces excellent and flavorful wines of a deep red color The flavors most commonly associated with Pinotage wines are generally smoky in nature, with notes ranging from dark bramble fruits, to plum, mulberry and earthy characteristics. However, it often also includes quite tropical flavors of stewed banana. The Pinotage varietal is a versatile one, and is often used for producing fortified and sparkling wines, as well as the more common still red wines.
The name of this grape, meaning 'blood of Jove' conjures up evocative images of long dead civilizations, and gives the Sangiovese varietal a sense of the holy, the sacred, the special. Indeed, this particular type of Italian grape has been cultivated and processed for thousands of years, and is said to be the original favorite grape varietal of the Romans, and the Etruscans before them. Throughout history, vintners have continued to plant this varietal, and they continue to produce wonderful wines to this day. The long bunches of very dark, round fruit are treasured by fine wineries in Italy and a few other places around the world, and when young, these grapes are lively – full of strawberry flavors and a little spiciness. However, it is when they are aged in oak that they take on some truly special flavors and aromas, as seen in some of the finest wines of the Old World.
There are plenty of notable native Spanish grapes which have made a big impression on the wine world at large, but none are as renowned or as widely loved as the Tempranillo varietal. This black skinned grape has been used for wine making for centuries, with several ancient civilizations noticing the fact that it is highly versatile and holds some delicious flavors and aromas, perfect for those looking for a powerful yet elegant grape for their wines. Tempranillo often causes winemakers some trouble, however, as it is highly susceptible to many diseases. Despite this, plenty continue to persevere with this varietal, as it is perfect for producing delicious and complex single variety and blended wines, packed full of classic Spanish flavors and plenty of aromatic and intense surprises.