Moschofilero

Moschofilero is an aromatic Greek grape with pinkish skins that usually makes white wine. It is particularly associated with Mantineia in the Peloponnese, where a dry, fragrant and fresh expression is familiar. The combination of floral perfume and a relatively light outline makes it a useful alternative to assuming that strongly scented white wine must also be heavy or sweet.

Skin colour and wine colour need to be separated here. Direct pressing can produce a pale white, while other handling can give a different hue or texture. The grape also appears outside its best known regional expression, so the complete label and producer notes matter. Its perfume is not proof of residual sugar after fermentation.

Try a dry Moschofilero with light fish, salads, vegetables, fresh cheese or gently spiced food that leaves room for its aroma. Serve it cool rather than suppressing the perfume through extreme cold. If you dislike aromatic whites, this may be a more important consideration than choosing by alcohol alone, even when the wine has a crisp finish.