This column originally appeared in The Centre County Gazette.
Even if you do not have plans to leave Centre County this summer for a vacation, you can still experience the thrill of exploring a new destination by opening a bottle of wine. Each wine region around the world, from Pennsylvania to France, South Africa to Australia, has unique properties that are essential in creating a product indicative of the destination.
From the landscapes and soils to the hands behind the wine and centuries of winemaking history, each bottle tells a story specific to a place.
If island hopping around Greece is not in the cards for this summer, a chilled glass of Domaine Skouras’ 2022 moscofilero, which can currently be found in the Fine Wine & Good Spirits at 1682 N. Atherton St. for $20, is a great way to enjoy a Greek adventure from the comfort of your home in Centre County.
Moscofilero (mos-coh-fee-ler-oh) is a white wine grape that is native to Greece and grown in the Peloponnese region. It is considered a chameleon because though it is used to make white wine, the grape itself has pink skin.
Moscofilero is a great option for a wide range of drinkers because, though it is a dry wine, the aromatic floral and citrus notes — like lime, rose and white flowers — and stone fruit notes — like peach and apricot — give it a juicy mouthfeel that appeals to those who prefer sweeter style wines. Though it has a high level of acidity that will make your mouth water, you won’t find yourself puckering your lips from the tartness because of the floral quality it has.
Domaine Skouras, founded by George Skouras in 1986, is a renowned Greek winery located in the Peloponnese region, known for producing high-quality wines from indigenous grape varieties such as moscofilero and agiorgitiko. The winery combines traditional Greek winemaking techniques with modern practices, resulting in wines that have gained international acclaim for their elegance and complexity.
While the best way to drink wine is the way you personally like it, a glass of moscofilero from Domaine Skouras best served around 45 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, which takes about three hours to achieve in a standard fridge. The flavor profile of the wine allows it to pair well with a wide range of summer staples, like a summer salad with fresh fruit, grilled chicken or fish, shrimp or pasta salads.
Keep in mind, salty foods will make a wine taste less acidic and instead appear smoother and fuller in the mouth. High acidity foods will also balance the acidity in a wine and make the wine taste fruitier, whereas savory umami foods, like mushrooms or shellfish, will make a wine taste less fruity and more acidic.
The unique flavor profile of a glass of moscofilero makes it great for food pairing, but it is also an easy sip to enjoy on its own, while enjoying some fun in the sun this summer.
