Date Tasted: 12/2020

Roussanne is a native northern Rhone Valley white grape. It is associated with some exceptional white wines, which are overshadowed frequently by the area’s red wines. It has a compact perfumed fruit character, can reach high alcohol levels and can age for a prolonged period and develop complex hazelnuts aromas. It is a variety that can adapt well to Greece’s conditions, and Manousakis winery took advantage early. And fortunately for us since we can taste a representative example of the variety.

Appearance: The colour is pale gold.

Nose: It has a modest complexity dominated by ripe stone fruits followed by chamomile, lemon, mango, vanilla and cream. 

Palate: It is intense with refreshing acidity, medium to full body, invisible alcohol despite its high level and almost long aftertaste. 

Hold: It is pleasant now, but better leave it for a couple of years in the cellar to gain more complexity.

Food Pairing: The freshness, the balance, and the invisible alcohol make it pleasant as an aperitif. But certainly, the right food pairing can create delightful moments. Better prefer rich dishes like a la creme versions, smoked pork meat or fish, even terrine versions. 

Points: 89

Name: Nostos Roussanne

Producer: Manousakis Winery

Variety: Roussanne

Vintage: 2019

Region: Vatolakos, Chania, Crete, Greece

Alcohol: 14,5%

Retail Price: 25€

Certified: Organic.

Serving temperature: 12-14 C°

Drink it until 2029.