This year's Decanter World Wine Awards Regional Trophy for Greek White under £15 went to Gerovassiliou, Single Vineyard Malagousia, Epanomi, Macedonia 2013 (13.5%)
Tasted against:
- Gerovassiliou, Viognier, Epanomi, Macedonia 2013
- Gerovassiliou, Epanomi, Macedonia 2013
- Mylonas, Savatiano, Attiki, Central Greece 2013
- Tselepos, Classic Moschofilero, Mantinia, Peloponnese 2013
Profile:
Malagousia is an ancient variety that almost died out before it was revived by Vangelis Gerovassiliou through his work at Domaine Porto Carras in the 1970s and ’80s.
His rescue mission leapt ahead in 1981 when he revamped the Gerovassiliou family vineyards and began planting Malagousia along with other indigenous and international grapes, as well as building a new winery.
‘Malagousia has great aromatic character, but is also sensitive to rot, which is the most likely reason for its near extinction,’ says Gerovassiliou. it ripens early, in August, and favours sandy and clay-limestone soils without much humidity. Direct exposure to sunlight destroys the aromas, so managing the leaf canopy to diffuse the sunlight is essential.
‘At our estate we have excellent terroir. We have mild winters and hot summers with constant, cool sea breezes, as the ocean is just 2.5km away. This means the grapes achieve perfect maturation and aromas.’
Written by Decanter
