The Malagousia or Malagouzia grape is one of the quintessential Greek grapes with a unique aroma and flavour profile. With its initial origins believed to be in the region of Nafpaktos in Western Greece, the Malagousia grape was almost lost forever in the last century when Greek wine growers began favouring international grape varieties. Thankfully, the grape was rescued from obscurity in the 1980s and has since characteristically come to represent Greek white wine.
The Malagousia grape thrives in a variety of soils and climates throughout Greece. The resultant wines produced will often depend on the specific growing conditions, lending a unique variance to each vintage. Typically, clasically styled Malagousia wines are medium-bodied and highly aromatic. They typically offer indulgent tropical fruit aromas, including peach and mango, and are underscored by hints of citrus zest and a touch of mint.
Thanks to the grape’s inherent richness, Malagousia wines are often allowed to undergo partial malolactic fermentation, which can imbue them with a creamy, mouth-filling texture juxtaposed with an invigorating acidity. These wines have a surprisingly high ageing capacity, allowing them to develop complex, honeyed nuances over time.
On the palate, these wines are excitingly fresh and unique. They are harmoniously balanced between their acidity, content of alcohol, and their exotic, floral flavours commonly containing notes of jasmine and lemon verbena. Many farmers grow this grape organically, as it’s a hardy variety that’s relatively resistant to disease.
Through the reappraisal of its potential and the efforts of Greek winemakers to revive it, the Malagousia grape now occupies a prized position in the pantheon of Greek viticulture, producing singular wines that are a true testament to Greece's rich wine legacy. Today, it encapsulates the essence of Greek white wine and has become a favoured choice for wine explorers seeking intriguing and less conventional alternatives.
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