Muscat de Limnos 2007

The island of Limnos is a place that folks rarely think of when they make their way to their neighborhood wine shop.  That’s not to say that it doesn’t have plenty of wine-making cred.  The island, and it’s wines, are present in the Iliad: a welcome addition, it is said, to the cups of the Argives.  With cooler temperatures than mainland Greece and plenty of strong prevailing winds, Limnos is an excellent place to raise expressive, aromatic, Moscatel, (aka Muscat of Alexandria).

Though Limnos has a reputation for making dry wines from it’s Moscatel, a result of the cooler temperatures, the island’s sweet wines are equally compelling.  The entry-level dessert wine from Limnos Wines, located in the capital of Myrina, is an outstanding introduction to the island’s wines.

In the glass the wine is a lambent, honeyed-orange.  Aromas of thyme, honey, and green Darjeeling abound.  The palate leads with earthy tones of spiced-honey and herbed-tea, though it finishes with a surprisingly refreshing hint of honeydew melon.

I really love this wine.  On top of being flat-out delicious, it is impressively complex given it’s $15.99 price tag.  Whether you’re hankering for something sweet, or looking to try something Greek, this wine is a fantastic way to spend an evening.  Pair it with some loukamathes and you’ll have everything you need to feel as though you been transported to the Greek isles, if only for an evening.

J.

Tags: dessert wine, greece, limnos, limnos wines, moscatel, muscat de limnos, muscat of alexandria, night train
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