Learning about new grape varieties is passion for me. My wine soul is drawn to Greece, home to over 300 indigenous grape varieties. Greek wines, like Mouhtaro, are so exciting to explore. In fact Greek wines made with indigenous grape varieties, like Assyrtiko, Xinomavro, just to name a few, are amongst my most exciting vine-filled adventures in Greece. While there is so much I have come to appreciate about Greek wines, perhaps I am happiest exploring indigenous grape varieties, like Mouhtaro at Thivaiki Gi's in Central Greece. We arrived mid-day at Thivaiki Gi Vineyard where we were treated to the absolute best of wine country experiences. There is no comparison to be spoiled in Greece. I must admit that being grape-fully spoiled in Terra Thiva (Land of Thiva), Greece is why I continue my wine travels.
Welcome to Thivaiki Gi Vineyard, Greece © Spaswinefood
Call me a romantic for, of all my wine country travels, it is the unique grape varieties that catch my attention. Whether my wine travels takes me to Bulgaria, Greece, Georgia, Italy, Romania, Serbia, Turkey, or North America I am finding myself drawn to the indigenous and local grape varieties. Sure, I love an excellent Chardonnay, Cabernet, Merlot, or a fantastic wine blend that we all know so well. Of course, there are amazing rosé wines. Let me not forget the best of bubbles from Champagne and elsewhere. Equally, I love the best of those amazing sweet wines, such as Port, Madiera, and Tokaji. During my wine travels I have observed a growing interest in wines made with native grape varieties. I have seen this in Greece, where there has been a long tradition of working with indigenous grapes. Then connecting with Mouhtaro at Thivaiki Gi's in Central Greece topped my wine travel list.
Welcome to Thivaiki Gi Vineyard
We meet at the Thivaiki Gi vineyards on the slopes of Sfinga Mountain, just a few kilometres from Thebes, right outside Vagia village. This area is known as the birthplace of the Sphinx. It was a very hot day in early June when we arrived in the Land of Thiva. As we exited the highway the vineyard came into view.
Arriving at Thivaiki Gi Vineyard © Spaswinefood
Mountain Views, Thivaiki Gi Vineyard © Spaswinefood
From the vineyard you can take in the nearby mountain views.
Taking a Closer Look, Thivaiki Gi Vineyard © Spaswinefood
Upon arrival at Thivaiki Gi vineyards we were given a traditional grape picker’s snack (cheese, bread & olives tied up in a hankerchief). It was just perfect for a quick picnic!
Picnic, Thivaiki Gi Vineyard © Spaswinefood
Indeed it was a true grape picker's picnic. I am sure it is very welcomed during the harvest when the pickers spend long times between meals.
Picnic, Thivaiki Gi Vineyard © Spaswinefood
The water was absolutely needed because it was indeed a hot day.
Time for Picnic Lunch, Thivaiki Gi Vineyard © Spaswinefood
After the welcoming picnic off we went to explore the vineyard vines. It was obvious to me that the vineyard was thriving in early June.
June Visit to Thivaiki Gi Vineyard © Spaswinefood
Whenever I visit a vineyard I always like taking a look at the vines.
Thriving Vines, Thivaiki Gi Vineyard © Spaswinefood
Then, I took an even closer look at the grapes.
Early June Grapes, Thivaiki Gi Vineyard © Spaswinefood
After our picnic some of us hopped into the back of a truck to go see the vineyard’s oldest vines. I sure liked, not having to walk in the hot mid-day sun.
Checking out Thivaiki Gi Vineyard © Spaswinefood
Old Vine Time, Thivaiki Gi Vineyard © Spaswinefood
These were classic, gnarly old vines. Specifically, they were 38 year old assyrtiko vines.
Taking a Closer Look at Thivaiki Gi Vineyard Old Vines © Spaswinefood
Later at the winery Mouchtaro was one of the wines we would taste. Next, I would like to introduce Mouhtaro.
Introduction to Mouhtaro
Last May/June 2022 I remember my first tasting Mouhtaro was at Cinque Winebar (Thivaiki Gi was the souce).
Mouhtaro, Cinque Wine Bars, Athens © Spaswinefood
After that tasting I put this wine on my list for further explorations. I have discovered that
the very rare red grape Mouhtaro is grown exclusively in the area of Askri, at the foot of Helicon mountain, in Central Greece. The grape has a deep purple color, with aromas of ripe red fruits and spices. It has a full body, with mild, silky tannins, and a pronounced acidity. This wine has an aging potential of more than 10 years, hence it develops a unique character over time. It is ideally suited to be paired with game or lamb, pasta in red sauce, and yellow hard cheese.
Mouhtaro is perhaps the rarest grape variety in Greece. It has a legacy in the Valley of the Muses, where the Muses Estate is located. Muses Estate was the first winery to revive this variety thanks to the efforts of Athanasios Zacharias. There it is grown in sandy-loam soils, at an altitude of 450-550 meters. Muses Estate has a long tradition of growing this grape, and this knowledge has been passed from one generation to the next. Yannis MW article describes the uniqueness of a Muse Estate Mouhtaro.
Fortunately, Thivaiki Gi has joined in the efforts to bring Mouhtaro to our attention.
Time for Food and Wine at Thivaiki Gi
After the vineyard visit, we drove to their winery for wine tasting over late lunch.
Rosé Time, Thivaiki Gi Winery © Spaswinefood
Lunch with Wines, Thivaiki Gi Winery © S
Lunch & Wines at Thivaiki Gi Winery © Spaswinefood
I joined the third table at the upper level. It was a spectacular Greek family style lunch. We were beyond spoiled with a huge, delicious meal that went perfectly with their great wines. What an awesome traditional greek cuisine dining experience it was! YES, there were also vegetarian options.
My Veggie Lunch, Thivaiki Gi Winery © Spaswinefood
Thivaiki Gi Wines © Spaswinefood
One of the wines we tasted was Mouhtaro.
Lunch at Thivaiki Gi Winery © Spaswinefood
I loved visiting this small, but modern wine producer. During the wine tasting it was so special to taste they're soon to be bottled Mouchtaro. After all it is a very rare red grape grown exclusively in Central Greece. Thivaiki Gi is one of the few wineries growing this grape. Muses Estate was the first winery to revive this variety thanks to the efforts of Athanasios Zacharias. I remembered well my first tasting Mouhtaro at Cinque Winebar (Thivaiki Gi was the source). Cinque in Athens also offers other wines from Thivaiki Gi. At this time Thivaiki Gi Mouhtaro is yet to be available in the US however, Muse Estate Mouhtaro is available in the US at https://www.hamptonswineshoppe.com/.
Mouhtaro, Cinque Wine Bars, Athens © Spaswinefood
Since I have now tasted Mouhtaro on two occasions I believe it is a wine to watch. It gets high marks on my list. Where there is a long tradition of working with indigenous grapes, is grape-fully inspiring to me. Now is the time to explore Greek Wines, especially Mouhtaro! I invite you to join me in my wine adventures in Greece at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon and at Spaswinefood on Twitter and Facebook.
Yamas!
Sharon
Remembering June 2022
Athens, Greece
© Spaswinefood
Athens, Greece © Spaswinefood
Spaswinefood, Central Greece © Spaswinefood
Follow me on Twitter and Facebook
