Domaine Skouras - Estate and Rare Wines Of the Vineyards Of The Peloponnese

Roditis, Moschofilero, Chardonnay, Viognier - Agiorgitiko, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

LOCAL VARIETIES
Roditis Roditis (from rodon, rose) is cultivated predominantly in the north-western Peloponnese, near Patras, as well as in Attica, Biotia and Evia island, Thessaly and Makedonia. The best vines grow on cool slopes with northern exposure in Aighialia and upland Achaia. Roditis has no qualitative potential when overproduced on flat land. It mutates easily and the grapes mature from mid-September to early October. Most quality wines currently blend pink-skinned Roditis clones which grow interspersed in the vineyard. The finest is the aromatic and "dark red" vine named Roditis Alepou (fox). Roditis Alepou has small berries and high malic acid (4.5g/l). It matures slowly in the hills above Achaia at 400-600 meters in Santameri and Demestiha.	Cuvee Prestige (W) >> Cuvee prestige Rose >>
Moschofilero (Greece's Blanc de Gris) Vintages are critical in this mountainous region. In poor years like 1995, wines are de-acidified and individual levels rarely exceed 11.6% vol.- the average reaches 11%vol. at best. Dry harvest conditions make a world of difference-1997 and 1998 the finest vintages on record for the 1990's brought forth Moschofilero wines of a rarely-seen uniform ripeness. Alcohol reached 12%vol. and the wines had an enticing bouquet of violets. Aromas in an average year, such as 1994, recall roses after a summer shower and hint of spice. Grey rot is a problem in poor years, when the palate is a dash of freshly-squeezed lemon juice and water.	Megas Oenos (W) >> Cuvee Prestige (W) >>
Aghiorgitiko (Saint George), Black of Nemea Aghiorgitiko matures late-between the end of September and early October. The productive vines have an average vigor, relative-tight clusters and a high sensitivity to drought and oidium. Inky black color and velvet tannins provide excellent primary material for vins nouveaux, made by maceration carbonique, or dry red wines that are briefly cask-ageing develops a spectacular bouquet of blackcurrant and damson-hallmarks of a great Nemea vin de garde. The grapes also source vin de liquor and a silky vin de presse. The palate is a cross between Cabernet franc, Merlot and spice. Aghiorgitiko has chameleon-like blending talents. It is widely used as a source to improve brand name table wines, enhance the color of leading Cavas and mellow Xinomavro's angular tannic bite.	Saint George >> Grand Cuvee Nemea >> Mediterranean >>
INTERNATIONAL VARIETIES
Chardonnay Chardonnay is one of the finest grape varieties. At its best , it achieves the depth of flavour, structure and staying power associated with red wine and is responsible for the great Burgundy whites. Greece has relatively little Chardonnay acreage. It was first planted in Attica in the 1960's and in the 1970's in Peloponnese.	Chardonnay >>
Viognier The name Viognier is synonymous with Chateau Grillet and Condrieu, in the Rhone Valley, but the grape is thought to originate from the Dalmatian Coast. Skouras has vinted grapes from young vines at the Larsinos estate, near Corinth.	Viognier >>
Cabernet Sauvignon DNA RECEARCH REVEALS THAT CABERNET SAUVIGNON IS THE OOFSPRING OF CABERNET FRANC AND THE WHIET SAUVIGNON BLANC.IT IS ALWAYS RECOGNISABLE,EVEN IF BLENDED,AND CAN ADAPT TO A WIDE RANGE OF LATITUDES AND GROWING CONDITIONS WITHOUT LOSING ITS OFTEN-OVERPOWERING IDENTITY.WITH BOTTLE -AGEING IT IS CAPABLE OF UNDISPUTED GREATNESS.	Cabernet Sauvignon >>
Merlot Merlot is the mildest of the wine world's most famous troika (Merlot-Cabernet franc-Cabernet Sauvignon). The variety's hallmark is a seductive aroma of truffles and the wine is softer on the palate than the austere Cabernet Sauvignon. The vines prefer clay soils that retain water. In Greece Merlot is planted in small quantities wherever the two Cabernets are found. It is also used to soften hard tannins in local red varieties.	Merlot Skouras >>