GRAPE VARIETIES · ARCADIA
Moschofilero
The aromatic white grape of the Arcadian plateau
THE VARIETY
Rose aromas, mountain acidity
Moschofilero is a pink-skinned grape of the Peloponnese, at home on the Mantinia plateau in Arcadia. Here, at 650 to 800 metres, winters are cold, with rain and snow, and summers are cool, with frequent showers. The grapes ripen slowly and the harvest is one of the latest in Greece.
This climate gives Moschofilero its two signatures: intense aromas of rose, jasmine and citrus, and a lively, mountain acidity. It makes fresh, vibrant white wines that pair well with Greek vegetable dishes in olive oil, seafood, grilled or fried fish and white meat, and are just as enjoyable on their own as an aperitif. Serve chilled, at around 12 °C.
THE GAIA APPROACH
From the Mantinia plateau, at 800 metres
For Moschofilero by Gaia Wild Ferment, the grapes come from 25-year-old vines in the village of Agiorgitika, on the Mantinia plateau, at 800 metres on sandy clay soils. It is one of the rare wild-fermented Moschofileros: intense aromas of rose, jasmine and sweet lemon meet buttery notes from the barrels and lees stirring, in a wine with nerve, intensity and complexity.
Monograph Moschofilero, from vineyards on the Arcadian plateau at 700 metres, is the most youthful expression of the variety: rose aromas up front, lively acidity and a fresh, easy-drinking palate. Both wines are made at our winery in Koutsi, Nemea.
