Wine Review: Skouras Moschofilero – Definitely Not A Greek Tragedy

How they’ll perform in London next year, what a spectacle—fast, furious, focused and, yes, fatigued. Those athletes from all edges of the planet will dazzle, delight and dignify the devotees of the Olympic games, the torch blazing away as the world finds its oasis of harmony albeit for the briefest of respites.

Yes, I know that a competition only really brings us complete fulfillment if the first athlete over the line or with the highest score is wearing our national flag across their chest. But remember the old adage: It’s not how you play the game, it’s how you win. And winning is everything. Forget the rules, chuck the instruction manual out the window, and let’s get the medal!

Wait a second. Maybe I’m confusing the Olympics with the wine world. Yes, I think I am. But speaking of Greece and rules and being a winner, there is some common ground—and I’m not talking about the area around the Acropolis!

If I put the word “Greece” and “wine” in the same sentence, you’d jump to a conclusion, and it would be a poor jump indeed. You wouldn’t even be rewarded with the bronze if you said “Retsina.”

I know, I know. Retsina has always been the only wine from Greece that has been accorded international celebrity status. But like all mega celebs, sometimes these camera hogging, larger-than-life personalities eclipse some equally-talented contestants standing in their shadow.

Skouras Moschofilero (PLCB Code 511140; $15.59) is stepping out of the shadows and becoming the next huge winner in the wine world. This is champion nectar. I had absolutely no idea what I was uncorking, so it’s exotic dessert nuances came as the most incredible surprise. Yet no surprise when you realize that the Moschofilero grape is a member of the Muscat Grape family (the same grape family which produces Asti Spumante for example).

Grown in the Arcadia region of southern Greece atop a high mountain, this must surely be the elixir of the gods. The winery, Domaine Skouras, harvests the grapes at night when it is cool to preserve the natural fresh fruit, and further maintain the freshness by fermenting in stainless-steel tanks. The result is a wine that has the perfume of a dessert wine and fills your mouth with the most delicious raisin-y fullness of the typical Muscat grape.

I would drink this wine before a meal or with fish or salads. However you choose to enjoy it, be prepared—because as soon as the cork is popped, you’ll be sprinting for another bottle. Trust me, this wine will take gold at every competition, and regardless of your nationality, you’ll be applauding this winner carrying the flag of Greece and bringing harmony to dinner tables around the world. 

Cheers!

Look for Skouras Moschofilero and other great wines at these local Wine & Spirits Shops