Lime and stones, crisp acidity, sharp and focused. If I would stop with the wine descriptors here, one might think of Assyrtiko. But there is more to add: Aromatic, perfumed, with layers of rose petals. Enter a unique Moschofilero from Mantinia, the cool climate PDO appellation, which is deservedly famed for this variety.
The Bosinakis family has a long winemaking tradition, yet the 2012 Mantinia Moschofilero is only their fourth vintage of this wine. The vineyards are located at an altitude of 650 metres/2150 feet; the soils are dominated by clay. The harvest took place in the first week of October; the wine was released in February this year. The production amounted to just 12500 bottles.
This is one of the most captivating expressions of a Moschofilero that I have come across in some time. The aromatics are slightly restrained, giving the wine plenty of opportunity to show off its distinctive mineral character. Its weight is on the lighter side, yet there is focus and precision. The alcohol level is 13%. The wine retails between 8 and 9 Euros (around $13).
Returning to Assyrtiko, this Moschofilero – at least at this stage -achieves a similar level of complexity. It will be interesting to see how it will develop over time.
