Grapes

Malagousia

Malagousia is an aromatic white variety grown primarily in Central Greece and Greek Macedonia. The variety was rescued from near extinction in 1983 by the winemaker Evangelos Gerovassiliou, after he planted out his vineyard at Epanomi, on the Halkidiki peninsula, with the variety.Malagousia is best known for its citrus and peach characteristics, often showing various melon flavours on the palate. It is often used as a blending agent, most notably with Assyrtiko, to which it adds middle body weight.

Mavrotragano

Mavrotragano is a dark-skinned variety grown exclusively on the volcanic Greek island of Santorini. Traditionally cultivated for the production of sweet red wines, it now has a somewhat cult status as a high-quality dry red. Mavrotragano was almost uprooted to the point of extinction during Santorini’s tourist boom when vineyard land was acquired by developers wanting to build hotels and apartments. At one stage, Mavrotragano accounted for just 2 per cent of Santorini’s dwindling vineyard area – the prestigious Assyrtico was the much-preferred variety on the island.

Mandilaria

Producer

Moraitico

Originating from a family of viticulturists, George Moraitis established his modern winery in 2000 in order to make a small selection of labels based on the varieties traditionally cultivated on the island of Paros. The most important of these varieties is the aromatic Malagousia, which takes centre stage in his white and rose labels. Breaking away from stereotypes, both in winemaking and the presentation of his wines, he has created characteristics and personality evoking examples of Aegean island wines, pleasing and resonating at the same time. His vineyard and winery are certified organic and he applies minimal intervention in the winemaking. The total output of the winery is 25-30000 bottles.