Greek Wines: Nasiakos & SantoWines

The Nasiakos winery is located in the heart of Mantinia in Arcadia, Peloponesse. It is a small winery owned by Leonidas Nasiakos, a second-generation winemaker and forth generation viticulturalist. The vineyards are located about 2000 feet above sea level, which prolong the harvest time.

The 2006 Nasiakos Moschofilero is produced from the indigenous Moschofilero grape. This grape usually produces light-bodied wines with citrus flavors and flora aromas. I found this white wine to remind me of a Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand. It was crisp with fresh citrus flavors, including some grapefruit, and had a bit of a grassy taste. It was a pleasant wine but not a style I prefer. Though if you enjoy Sauvignon Blancs like this, you will likely enjoy this wine.

SantoWines, the Union of Santorini Cooperatives, was established in 1947 on the island of Santorini and is currently the largest producer on the island. They built a state of the art winery in 1992, located on the edge of Caldera.

The 2007 Santo Assyrtico is made from 100% Assyrtico and it sees no oak. It had a bright yellow color and an interesting nose of citrus with a mineral tang. On the palate, it was crisp and clean with mineral notes and citrus flavors, especially lemon and tangerine. It had a moderately long finish and I found it to be quite a delicious wine. Would be a good pairing with seafood or a light chicken dish. A definite recommendation.