Three New Wines Showcase the Quality of Indigenous Greek Varieties

Discover the indigenous grapes which makes Greek Viticulture so unique, now available alongside the Signature Collection. Peter Morrell gets a taste.

Nemea Winery’s new Varietals Collection showcases Greece’s diverse terroir through carefully selected grapes highlighting the unique characteristics of each varietal, available at bitesofgreece.co.uk

Known for diverse and challenging terroirs which produce a spectacular variety of grapes, Greece has long been under-the-radar as a wine destination despite deliciously drinkable wines produced thanks to ample sun, minimal rain and diverse geography. Greek wines produced from local grapes pair well with food, and as a bonus, boast excellent value for money – ideal given the current upward trend in cost of living. For wine lovers, there has never been a better time to go Greek.

To bring UK wine drinkers all the biggest hits and compliment the Signature Collection, Nemea Winery has launched the new Varietals collection to showcase the most popular local Greek wines from the Peloponnese region and its two Protected Destination of Origins (PDOs). The Winery selects the best grapes from the vineyards of the mountainous Peloponnese region and PDOs Nemea on the central eastern side and Mantinia on the western side. The prevailing climate in the Peloponnese is mild Mediterranean, due to the favorable effect of the sea that surrounds it, and the cool winds from the mountain ranges of the central Peloponnese. Both regions have a legacy of wine-making that goes back thousands of years to at least the 5th Century BC.

Nemea is the largest viticultural zone in Greece, home to one of the finest indigenous red varietals, Agiorgitiko. The regions’ vineyards are found on the semi-mountainous and mountainous terrains, either on the mountain slopes or on the formed plateaus and valleys. Wine produced from the Agiorgitiko grape has been known as Nemeatiko since the middle of the 19th century. Agiorgitiko is considered an indigenous variety of Nemea with deep roots in time and, it was not cultivated, in any other region of Greece or in another foreign country up until 15 years ago. Agiorgitiko ripens mid to late September. The versatile varietal produces fresh red, deep aging red, sweet and semi-sweet reds. The deep red color and strong aromatic profile wines are characterised by red fruits such as ripe strawberries, black currants, and caramel. Whilst the aged wines bring aromas of jam or dried fruits such as fig, plum, raisin. Tannins are soft and evolve over time.

Mantinia boasts a more continental climate, famed for producing the Moschofilero wines. Moschofilero wines have a light yellow-green colour and strong aromatic profile, characterised by rose petals and lemon blossoms. Wines are light bodied with crisp acidity and a spicy finish. The diverse wine is produced in a range of soils, from sandy loams to heavier clay loams.
Launched in 1985, Nemea Winery began as a small family business focused on supporting the many quality local wineries and producers. Located on the Nemean plateau, home to the largest vineyards in Greece, Nemea Winery focuses on selecting wines which showcase the myriad core factors which create and define a quality wine. Nemea Winery produces wines from the best grapes of the two regions, enhanced through long-term strategic partnerships with local growers.

The Varietal Collection

This collection showcases the unique grape varieties of Nemea and Mantinia with three specially selected wines. Each wine is chosen for its quality, and is made from carefully cultivated grapes using soft vinification methods designed to showcase the unique characteristics of each varietal.

Varietal Collection Agiorgitiko

The fascinating expression of Agiorgitiko variety gives us a wine of deep red colour. Enjoy red fruit flavours dominated by ripe strawberry, cherry and sour cherry, sweet spices and chocolate. Round and velvety with balanced acidity and long-lasting aftertaste. Pairs well with red meat and spicy sauces, or Chinese cuisine due to its soft tannins and fruity character.

£8.99 at https://www.bitesofgreece.co.uk/product/the-varietals-collection-agiorgitiko-2021/

Varietal Collection Mantinia Moschofilero

The fascinating expression of Moscofilero yields a characteristic bright pale-yellow wine with silver highlights. Refreshing and cool with aromas of citrus, stone fruits and roses.

The aroma of white flowers dominate, combined with citrus, lemon, pear, bitter orange, and rose. Crisp and elegant, with refreshing acidity, balanced, with a long aftertaste.

Perfect to pair with vegetables, aromatic herbs, shellfish and grilled fish.

£8.99 at https://www.bitesofgreece.co.uk/product/the-varietals-collection-moschofilero-2021/

Varietal Collection Malagouzia

The fascinating expression of Malagouzia produces a characteristic green-yellow colour wine. Discover its pure and intense aroma, dominated by white flesh fruits, pear, apple, flowers, marjoram and mountain herbs. Finesse, crisp acidity and a mild aftertaste

An excellent accompaniment to white meats, red lean meats, cheeses and vegetables, or pasta dishes in red and white sauce.

£8.99 at https://www.bitesofgreece.co.uk/product/the-varietals-collection-malagouzia-2021/

Peter Morrell, Editor comments “I’ve tasted all three of these wines, and they are exceptional. I loved the depth of the Agiorgitiko, and its smoothness. The Mantinia Moschofilero offered a high degree of complexity with contrasting tastes that work well together. The crispness of the Malagouzia was very refreshing, and the flavours of the mountain herbs brought the essence of Greece to your taste buds.”

Find the full collection at https://www.bitesofgreece.co.uk/producers/nemea-winery/

About Nemea Winery

Launched in 1985, Nemea Winery began as a small family business focused on supporting the region’s many quality local wineries and producers. Located on the Nemean plateau, home to the largest vineyards in Greece, Nemea Winery focuses on selecting wines which showcase the myriad core factors which create and define a quality wine, from soil, appellation and environment through to grapes, technique, wine production, distribution and sales. The Winery selects the best grapes from the vineyards of the mountainous Peloponnese region and its two Protected Destination of Origins (PDOs), the central eastern side, Nemea, and Mantineia on the western side. Nemea Winery produces wines from the best grapes of the two regions, enhanced through long-term strategic partnerships with local growers.