Moschato Aspro Mikrogo
Introduction
Moschato Aspro (or Mikrogo) is considered the top variety of the large Muscat family. Although it is cultivated throughout the Mediterranean, it found its ultimate home in Samos, producing wines that are globally recognized for their intensity and complexity, ranging from dry to the island's iconic sweet wines.
Tasting Notes
- Color: From bright straw yellow in dry wines to deep amber with copper highlights in aged sweet wines. - Aromas: An explosion of flowers (jasmine, lemon blossom, rose), fresh fruits (peach, melon, lychee), and in sweet wines, notes of honey, caramel, and dried apricot. - Palate: Full-bodied, oily, and exceptionally balanced. The dry wines have a refreshing acidity that cuts through the intensity, while in sweet wines, the natural sugar envelops the palate.
Gastronomy
- Asian Cuisine: Dry Moschato pairs perfectly with sushi and spicy dishes (Thai or Indian). - Strong Cheeses: Aged sweet Moschato pairs uniquely with Roquefort, Stilton, or aged gravieras. - Desserts: Fruit tarts, creamy vanilla desserts, and traditional syrupy sweets.
Terroir
- Terroir: In Samos, it is cultivated on mountainous terraces (stone walls) at altitudes up to 1,100 meters. The schist soil and good drainage are the secrets to its finesse. - Climate: It loves the Aegean sun but needs the coolness of altitude and the meltemi winds to maintain the necessary acidity that balances its sweetness. - Result: Wines with intense aromatic depth, robust structure, and a characteristic minerality that reveals its origin.