Decanter World Wine Awards 2025 - Best in Show - 97pts
This wine is entirely produced from the rare, ancient, indigenous Greek grape variety of Malagousia. Further to skin contact, to enhance the extraction of aromas it is fermented in stainless steel tanks between 18-20 °C and then matured on lees for a few months gaining depth of flavour and floral aromas. Aged in new French oak barrels too, although the influence is very subtle. Lovely floral, aromatic nose with white peach and hints of lime and grape and a hint of nutty oak. Crisp, fresh and clean with lovely tangy white peach, grapefruit and lime, it's zesty with some spice and a touch of oak giving it a delicately creamy finish. It makes me think of a cross between Assyrtiko and Viognier. Lovely floral style with good weight and a lovely freshness, would work well with lightly spiced dishes, richer fish and white meat dishes too, and of course served cool alfresco. Really very good.
DWWA 2025 - Best in Show
"There’s nothing like Santorini Assyrtico – but there’s nothing like Malagousia from Greek Macedonia’s Epanomi, either. At first sniff, you might think it’s a member of the Muscat family. Keep sniffing and it might put you in mind of both Viognier and Albariño: it has both a visceral, honeycream charm as well as fluttering with rose petal and freesia floral notes, too. Nor does it disappoint on the palate: all of that aromatic richness is there, built into a whole in which you can find both brisk, apple-fresh acidity and the soft, cleansing bitter notes of dried herbs and grapefruit. It’s quite a performer, as you see, and a sure-fire conversation wine for serving with or without food. If you or your wine friends have never tried it, seek this wine out: it will expand your horizons."
