Learn More About The ‘Chameleon’ Of Greek Vineyards – Moschofileroc Wine

Moschofileroc wine is grown in the mist-shrouded mountains of the Peloponnese area of Mantinia in Central Greece. This wine is a sleeper – it has yet to gain the following that other white wines from better-known countries such as France – but the sheer variety of the grapes that make up the Moschofileroc harvest makes it a wine that is well worth delving into in more detail – especially for those who are in search of a unique white wine experience.

Moschofileroc wine is known as a ‘Cameleon’ due to the enormous variety of the wines that are produced using the grape. These wines share a considerable amount of DNA with other grape varieties in the region – color, for instance, can vary from black to green for these ‘kissing cousins’ of the Moschofileroc grape. However, within the Moschofileroc grape variety itself (with its pale pink skin) cultivation has led to wines that range from zesty, crisp whites with a heady floral nose, to delicate rose varieties and sparkling wines – all with a unique Greek taste that characterizes the wines from this country.

So varied are the tasting notes in the wines from the Peloponnese region, and especially Moschofileroc that they almost defy description. They can exhibit a marked lightness in flavor or have undercurrents of spice. If there were any wines to compare to it would be the better-known examples of Riesling or Traminer and Viognier.

Taking account the fact that Moschofileroc wine had(to a certain extent) flown under the worldwide radar of wine lovers it is somewhat surprising that there has been a renaissance of interest in these wines. The grapes that are used to make the wine have their origins in ancient times – but the modern versions of the wines produced with those grapes began to become more popular in the 1970s and ’80s. This was in part because well-known producers realized that a new approach to producing wines made from this grape was required. The result has been wines that are surprisingly elegant given their humble beginnings.

However, bringing increased amounts of Moschofileroc wine to the global market has not been without its challenges for producers. the varied climate and soils of the producing region have all contributed to the fickle nature of the grape. Acidity levels can vary enormously – as can the level of alcohol in the finished products. Even within a fairly limited geographical area (in terms of acres under vine) the Moschofileroc wines can vary enormously in character.

this produced on the lower slopes of the mountains are characterized by citrus notes and a distinctly aromatic character and a healthy load of acidity. Those wines that grow higher have an attractive floral (and peppery) nature. Those wines will benefit from laying down for at least four years. The variety of wines produced in the region presents buyers with a unique challenge – but the nature of Moschofileroc wine will reward experimentation. Pairing one of the many expressions of the grape with a variety of foods can be especially rewarding. The product of each vineyard will have its own distinct personality – and therein lies one of the beauties of this great wine.