HOW MANY DIFFERENT STYLES OF MALAGOUZIA ARE THERE? WHAT TO DRINK IF YOU WANT TO NEVER GET BORED!
We know that it is one of your favorite white grape varieties and that you can drink it every day. We also know that there is a possibility that your friends are fed up with your Malagouzia obsession. What can you do? There is a solution, a clever one! One of the main advantages of the variety is its adaptability and its many different faces! You can choose a different style every day so that no one gets bored and we are all happy. Let's go see them!
The floral
It is not the most common expression since the florality can hardly cover the rich fruit of the variety. Depending on the place where it grows and the style of winemaking, its floral aromas can be enhanced and thus rose, jasmine and citrus flowers will dominate the nose. For example, if you like floral wines such as Moschofilero and Muscat, try the Malagouzia Iatridis Winery or Vre Chatzivaritis Winery and you will be thrilled. Pair them with aromatic green salads with fruits such as spinach salad with grilled apricots and gorgonzola.
The botanical
Rumor has it that the cool climate of Northern Greece gives Malagouzia with more acidity and an intense botanical element like hints of lemon verbena, mint, chamomile and basil. This style is quite gastronomic, meaning that it can accompany several different dishes. If you love Sauvignon Blanc then this style is for you. Try the Malagouzia Adam Wines and La terre pres du soleil Girlemis Wines. Ideally, you can pair them with risotto with asparagus, stuffed vine leaves, penne with pesto and green salads.
The fruity
This is the style that made Malagouzia so beloved. Its juicy fruit, which can range from citrus to stone fruits and tropical fruits, is what we love in Malagouzia. Exemplary examples of this style are: Malagouzia Mpougiouri, Malagouzia Lykou, Malagouzia Kitrvs, Malagouzia Argyriou and Malagouzia Vatista. They are ideal as an aperitif but also with light snacks such as bruschetta with roasted grapes and burrata.
The oaky
Although the exuberant character of the barrel is not the best for the delicate Malagouzia, the small and discreet doses give it something more that can transform it. When I say small and discreet doses, I mean that some winemakers age only a small percentage of Malagouzia in oak barrel and even in used or large barrels. Such examples are Malagouzia Gerovasiliou, Malagouzia Anatolikos Vineyards and Malagouzia Costa Lazaridis Estate.
The orange
Let's move to the funky stuff now. Orange Malagouzias are a trend and they start to appear on the wine scene dynamically. Malagouzia’s rich fruit and expressiveness go well with orange winemaking. The logic of orange wines is red vinification in white grape varieties or simply put maceration with the skins for several days. Thus, they acquire aromas of dried apricot, apple, quince, orange, chrysanthemum and sweet lemon. If this is your style, try Tatsis's Malagouzia orange (in a natural approach) or Kamkoutis's Malagouzia Orange. They go well with intense flavors such as canapés with tapenade, fried artichokes with tartare sauce and baba ganoush.
Eva Markaki
Wine Geek
