Muscat 2022

On the Ionian island of Kefalonia, the Petrakopoulos estate cultivates its vines on breezy hillsides near the village of Thiramonas in the south of the island. The Muscat plots benefit from well-drained limestone and clay-limestone soils, which promote a slow and concentrated ripening of the grapes. The proximity of the sea moderates the summer heat and brings cooler nights, preserving aromatic freshness. This mosaic of micro-terroirs gives the estate's Muscat a unique expression, marked by minerality and great aromatic intensity.

The Muscat grapes are harvested at perfect aromatic ripeness and then gently pressed. After careful settling, the must ferments slowly at low temperatures to preserve varietal intensity and fruit purity. Fermentation is stopped to retain natural sugar levels and a balance between sweetness and freshness. The wine is then aged on its fine lees for several months in stainless steel tanks, with limited racking to preserve the purest expression of the grape variety and the wine's delicate texture.

This wine reveals notes of white-fleshed fruit , candied apricot , and orange zest , supported by floral aromas of orange blossom and rose , as well as delicate honeyed and spicy touches reminiscent of vanilla and cardamom . On the palate, the liqueur is smooth, with a velvety texture , a lively acidity that balances the sweetness, and a long finish marked by intense aromatic persistence and a slightly saline sensation.

Long known as simple table wines, notably Retsina, a white wine infused with pine resin, Greek wines have seen a significant improvement in quality over the last 20 years. The history of wine is as ancient as that of Greece itself. More than 3,000 years ago, the oldest known grape presses in the world were discovered on the island of Crete. After a period of stagnation throughout the 20th century, Greek wines experienced a dramatic improvement in quality thanks to Greece's entry into the European Union, the training of young oenologists in top European schools, and a focus on meeting international demand. Greece is not content with the easy route of relying primarily on major French grape varieties such as Chardonnay or Cabernet Sauvignon, which would greatly facilitate exports. Today, Greece aims to continue cultivating and promoting its ancient grape varieties, of which there are approximately 300 across the country. The very first thing to understand is that Greece is far more diverse in terms of climate than most people realize. The country clearly has everything from arid Mediterranean islands to humid, mountainous pine forests that receive snowfall in winter. With such a diverse climate, you can expect Greek wines to be equally varied. Therefore, one of the best ways to get a sense of Greek wine is to divide the country into four broad wine regions based on their climate: Northern Greece (humid climate), the Aegean Islands (arid climate), Central Greece, and Southern Greece (Mediterranean climate). Its potential and reputation are greatly underestimated by the general public today, which is likely to lead to some pleasant surprises!