From: Nemea, Peloponnese, Greece
Varietal: Moschofilero
Taste: The glass presents a light yellow-white color with green hues. On the nose, it offers elegant aromas of rose petals, lemon blossom, and citrus. The palate is characterized by a fruity-driven, refreshing mouthfeel balanced with medium acidity and a subtle aftertaste.
Pairing: Traditional Greek dishes like grilled seabream with lemon and herbs or spanakopita (spinach and feta pie) highlight the wine’s bright citrus and floral notes. For international options, it complements Thai green curry with coconut milk, where its acidity cuts through the richness, and sushi rolls featuring fresh salmon or tuna, enhancing the delicate flavors. A light herbed goat cheese salad pairs well, bringing out the wine’s refreshing qualities, while chicken piccata with lemon and capers matches its zesty profile perfectly.
Roasted Lemony Fish with Brown Butter, Capers, and Nori, pair where the bright acidity and citrus notes echo beautifully with the lemon and capers, cutting through the richness of the brown butter. Additionally, its floral and mineral undertones complement the umami depth of the nori, creating a balanced and refreshing pairing.
Roasted Lemony Fish With Brown Butter, Capers and Nori
Recipe from Danielle Alvarez
Adapted by Melissa Clark
About. Semeli Winery, established in 1979, stands as a prominent figure in Greece's wine industry, blending deep-rooted traditions with forward-thinking practices to produce wines of exceptional quality. The winery's inception was driven by a profound respect for the Greek land and a commitment to integrating innovative technologies into winemaking. Initially, Semeli planted a model vineyard at the foot of Mount Penteli, introducing novel grape varieties and cultivation methods that set the stage for its future endeavors.
Over time, Semeli expanded its operations by acquiring vineyards in the Peloponnese regions of Nemea and Mantinea. This strategic move culminated in constructing a state-of-the-art winery in Nemea in 2003. The 4,000-square-meter facility amidst company-owned vineyards in Koutsi, Corinthia, is celebrated for its innovative design and services. Built to respect the natural environment, the winery utilizes a gravity-fed process that leverages the sloping terrain, allowing for gentle handling of grapes from pressing to bottling. This method minimizes oxidation and promotes fermentation under ideal conditions, reflecting Semeli's holistic approach to modern winemaking.
The vineyards of Semeli Estate are located at an altitude of 600 meters on the slopes of the hilly Koutsi region, one of Nemea's most esteemed "crus." This unique microclimate, characterized by low crop levels and a positive balance of fruit and natural acids, contributes to producing high-quality grapes. The estate's privately owned hillside vineyards span 250 acres, complemented by partnerships with affiliated winegrowers in Koutsi and neighboring areas such as Asprokampos, Kastraki, and Ancient Nemea. These collaborations enable continuous quality control throughout the growing season, ensuring the consistent production of exceptional wines.
Wine Notes: Moschofilero is a pink-skinned grape variety native to Greece, primarily grown in the Mantineia plateau of the Peloponnese. Known for its aromatic intensity, it produces wines with floral and citrus notes, such as rose petals, jasmine, and mandarin, paired with refreshing acidity. Despite its pink hue, it is mainly used for white wines but can also produce rosés, sparkling, or light reds. Its late-ripening nature and cultivation at high altitudes ensure balanced acidity and aromatics. Moschofilero wines are light-bodied, vibrant, and versatile, celebrated for their ability to pair with Mediterranean and aromatic cuisines.
