Domaine Gerovassiliou Malagousia – Saved From Extinction

100% Malagousia from Epanomi, Macedonia, Greece.

SRP of $20 and available at that price. Sample received courtesy New Wines of Greece for review purposes.

From the bottle:

“The rare varietal of Malagousia was rescued from extinction through Vangelis Gerovassiliou’s efforts who noted its potential, and vinified it for the first time in the 70’s. This wine is made from select grapes from the oldest and best parcels of the vineyard, giving a rich character with fruity flavors balanced with crisp acidity. Best served with Mediterranean and Asian cuisine.

12.5% Alcohol”

Today’s wine is made from the Malagousia grape, a variety indigenous to Greece that was nearly extinct until recently. (OK it was actually the 1970s but since I was born in the 70’s I’m calling that recent.) Greece is one of the oldest winemaking regions in the world, so it’s no surprise that many indigenous varieties of grapes have likely come and gone. There’s no telling how many others we’ve lost, but we do know that here at The Reverse Wine Snob we’re big fans of Greek wines and the indigenous Greek grapes that are still around. Whether we’re talking about Agiorgitiko in red or roséform, Xinomavro (the Greek Nebbiolo), or whites like Assyrtico and Moschofilero, Greece has a lot of great wine to offer.

The 2010 Domaine Gerovassiliou Malagousia begins with a really beautiful bouquet of pear, peach, citrus, a little mango and some floral notes. This wine has a very inviting aroma. Tasting the wine reveals a smooth silky texture and delicious, rich and juicy fruit featuring melon, orange zest and other citrus flavors. Good acidity and minerality help to make this a very food friendly wine. A really delicious Viognier-like white wine.

See a listing of local retailers selling this wine here.

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