Mantinia

Moschofilero has coloured skins, but the best-known Mantinia wines are pale whites. The plateau’s cool conditions slow ripening and help retain the acidity that balances the grape’s floral aroma. This is a useful reminder that a warm Mediterranean country can contain distinctly cool vineyard environments.

The appellation includes still and sparkling wines. Floral perfume does not guarantee sweetness, so check the bottle’s style description, particularly for sparkling examples. A fresh dry Mantinia can be a good starting point if you like aromatic whites but want a different grape from Muscat or Gewürztraminer.