2023 Samos Phyllas Vin Doux Muscat, Samos Aegean Islands

Samos Phyllas Vin Doux Muscat is a golden jewel from the sun-soaked Aegean island of Samos, where Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains has been grown on steep, terraced vineyards since ancient times. This luscious, aromatic dessert wine captures the sun, sea breeze and volcanic soils of the island in every sip, offering a classic example of Greece’s centuries-old mastery of sweet wine.

Crafted by the Union of Winemaking Cooperatives of Samos (EOSS), Phyllas Vin Doux is made using the Muscat of Samos grape, grown at high altitudes in granitic and schist soils that lend freshness and aromatic purity. The grapes are picked at optimal ripeness, then fortified early during fermentation with grape spirit to preserve the vibrant natural sugars and arrest the process. This technique locks in the variety’s signature aromatics while maintaining its natural acidity.

In the glass, it glows with a brilliant amber-gold hue and bursts with aromas of orange blossom, ripe apricot, honey, sultana, and sweet spice. The palate is rich and silky with notes of baked peach, preserved lemon, golden raisins and Turkish delight, all lifted by a balancing freshness that prevents it from becoming cloying.

Serve it slightly chilled as a decadent finish to a meal, especially with blue cheese, baklava, fruit tarts or poached pears. It also ages beautifully, gaining complexity and nutty nuances over time.

Samos has a long and storied winemaking tradition, with its sweet Muscat once served at royal courts across Europe. Today, Phyllas Vin Doux continues that legacy with a wine that is both timeless and indulgent.