 Source: U.V.C.S. - UNION OF VINICULTURAL CO-OPERATIVES OF SAMOS 
The vines of Samos - The Treasure of the AegeanSamos` Muscat grapes and in particular the white and small fruited variety, in considered to be the most refined member of the large family of Muscat grapes. The variety stands out not just for the size of its fruit but also for its low yield, with which the uniqueness of the way in which it stimulates the sense of taste, smell and sight is closely connected. The oldest citation referring to the Muscat grape of Samos is to be found in the dictionary by the grammarian Isychius, who refers to its as the "Samos grape". The white Muscat grape grows best on the mountainious and semi-mountainious vineyards in the northern part of the island. There the vines grow in narrow terraces built of stone where often no more than one row of vine stocks fits. The villages Karlovasi, Vourliotes, Agios Konstantinos, Manolates, Stavrinides, Ambelos, Kondakeika, Hydrousa, Agii Theodori, Platanos, Leka, Kastania, Kosmadei, Pyrgos, Mesogios, Pandrosos, Koumaradei, Mavratzei, Pagondas, Hora, Mytilini and the Municipality of Samos form a picturesque, amphitheatre-like vineyard. The exceptional subsoil (chalky, limestone with good drainage) in conjunction with the microlimate favourable for viniculture (long periods of sunshine with rather low temperatures with the altitude reaching 800 m at some points) allow the grapes to ripen in the most natural of manners just as is needed for all refined, sweet wines. Sweet wines from Samos 
You know and love them as dessert wines, ideal for rounding off a special meal or dinner with their charming presence.Today as strict "musts" fall to the side, modern consumers seem to want give new prospects to sweet wine. Do why not try out and enjoy the unique "Samos" taste at different points during the day. By themselves, for a refreshing drink, so as to soak up their wonderful bouquet. As an aperitif with dried fruits and nuts. With starters or served along with the main course, an ideal accompaniment. In the company of exotic sweets and salty flavours or in the traditional manner at the end of the meal and later still, while enjoying a cigar, or in a moment of silent indulgence. However you choose to try it, "Samos" is a taste we have learned to love, a taste which expressed a part of our taste identity. 
 A sweet wine The most classical expression of the Muscat grape. Vin Doux is the wine which made the Muscat wines of Samos famous on international markets. It is produced from ripe grapes from the semi-mountainious vineyards, with a little must from 96% proof wine alcohole, added before or during fermantation. By "interrupting" fermentation in this way natural sugar in the grape remain infermented and thus create this gold-bued wine with its natural bouquet which reminds one of flowers, honey or candied fruit. Best served fresh and chilled at 8-100 C its flavour blending harmoniously with fruit, light desserts or ice cream. 
 A natural sweet wine On the northern slopes of Mount Ambelos some vineyards with a low output per acre stand out for the aroma and flavour of the white Muscat grapes produced here. The uniqueness of these select vineyards required the creation of a new, districtive category of natural sweet wines, Grand Cru, produced using the fermentation interruption process by adding must from 96% proof wine alcohol. Grang Cru stands out for its bright, golden color which reminds one of topaz and its rich bouquet which combines hints of grape with the aroma of a comfiture of exotic fruit. With a well-balanced flavour it can easily be combined with foods which relish in a sweet accompaniment such as poultry by itself or served with a light dessert or fruit. Serve chilled at 8-100 C. 
 An aged sweet wine A wine produced from grapes from the semi-mountainious vineyards with the addition of must from 96% proof wine alcohol before or during fermentation. The wine is then aged for 5 years in oak barrels where it acquires an attractive chestnut blonde hue and that charming bouquet which brings to mind flowers, honey and dried fruit. Its smooth balanced flavour makes it an ideal accompaniment to strongly flavoured cheeses an sweet desserts. Best served at 12-140 C. 
 A natural sweet wine When the grapes ripen the pickers choose the most select bunch by bunch in order to make Nectar. Then, following the island`s traditional dating back to ancient times, they lie them in the sun for days to dry. Following vinification and the complete clarification of the must, the wineis matured and aged for three years in oak barrels. In this way it acquires an impressive condensed color where one can pick out warm notes from exotiv flowers, spices and dried fruit. Its full and sweet, velvety texture is just asking for to be enjoyed at 12-140 C served with classic Greek fruit preserves or with tarts made with exotic fruit, chocolate dessert or nuts. 
 Dry white table wine The grapes of the white Muscat from the impoverished semi-mountainious vineyards are picked just before they ripen naturally and are carefully transported in crates to the winery where their stems are removed and the must extracted by applying gentle pressure in pneumatic presses. This is followed by fermentation in stainless steel tanks at 16-180 C. Careful vinification allowsthe wine to retain all the elements with this variety of grape is endowed; a pale yellow color, harmonic, rounded flevour and pleasant lingering aftertaste that allow it to stand alone to be served as an aperetif or to accompany fried fish or vegetable dishes at 8-100 C Best served at 12-140 C. 
 Dry white table wine The grapes of the white Muscat from the impoverished mountainious vineyards of Samos are picked before fully ripe and are vinified in such a way as to exploit the antire aromatic potential of this variety without losing the vitality and freshness one looks for in a dry wine Enjoy Doryssa served at 8-100 C as an aperetif or with fish or vegetable dishes for which character is an ideal companion. 
 Dry white table wine The white Muscat grapes from the select impoverished semi-mountainious vineyards are picked just before they are fully ripen and carefully vinified to allow the variety to retain its character.. Golden Samena is a white wine with an intense yet harmonic bouquet and velvety texture. When served chilled at 8-100 C it is ideal by itself or as an accompaniment to far eastern cuisine. Best served at 8-100 C. 
 Dry rose table wine In addition to the small-fruited white Muscat grapes which covers 98% of the vineyards on Samos, two red grape varieties are cultivated with the same loving tender care, two varieties which are part of wine-making tradition on the island, Fokianos and Ritinos. Selana is a rose wine made by blending these two varieties. Samos` unique ecosystem and the tender care laxished by wine-makers have endowed the wine with a fine bouquet and a pleasant dry flavour which is best enjoyed with fish with tomato, or food cooked in oil or with spicy or exotic dishes. Served chilled at 10-120 C. |