In the eastern Aegean Sea lies the small island of Samos named after the Phoenician 'Sama' meaning 'high place' due to its' mountainous formation such as Mount Ampelos. Famed as a seat of power for a succession of kings (namely Polycrates) and as the birthplace of Pythagoras (think of Maths!) it also has historical evidence of extensive winemaking dating back to near 3000 B.C. Wine vessels such as amorphae and caananite have been found here from this period. But grapegrowing etched a new path in the 16th century when Muscat (muscat blanc a petit grains) was brought to the island, quickly being dubbed 'Muscat of Samos,' as its' recognition spread.In arguably the most important wine production on Samos, grapes are found on the slopes of Mount Ampelos (1144m), at around 900m elevation, gaining maximum exposure to the sun for ripeness but also cool windy breezes to help retain acidity in the grapes.
A variety of styles are produced here such as dry white wines (Samena), naturally sweet whites (nectar), fortified (Vin Doux) and then two categories of exceptional wines; Grand Cru from the best sited vineyards and Anthemis that are aged for a minimum of 5 years in oak casks.
In this video; Anthemis Muscat of Samos
Anthemis Muscat of Samos, Greece, 2002 (sweet)
If you like your Oloroso Sherry you will love this little number. Great tawny to amber colour showing its' maturity with a complex layered nose of apricot, orange peel, sultana and walnut oak. It starts off sweet but the sugar subsides to an oak dryness quickly due to the 5 years barrel maturation with a dried fruit, apricot, sultana and a long nut finish marking an excellent quality wine. Excellent. Jimmy 19/20 (Waitrose £10)
Awards; Decanter Magazine Trophy (2009), IWC (International Wine Challenge) Silver (2009) and IWSC (International Wine & Spirits Challenge) Silver (2009)
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