Parparoussis Rio Patras 2022

Parparoussis Rio Patras comes from Patras, on the northern coast of the Peloponnese in Greece, under the PDO Muscat Rio Patras. The family winery was established in 1974 and works with the local Muscat, a variety prized for its perfume. To make this sweet style the grapes are left to dry in the sun after picking, a passito-like process that dehydrates the berries and concentrates their natural sugars and aromatics before fermentation. With no need for fortification, the wine keeps the bright, grapey character of fresh Muscat alongside its sweetness. The Mediterranean climate, with hot dry summers tempered by sea breezes off the gulf, ripens the fruit fully while preserving acidity. The wine is amber-gold in the glass. The nose leads with apricot, honey, orange marmalade and white flowers, with a dried-fruit edge from the sun drying. On the palate it is sweet and unctuous but lifted by citrus acidity that stops it cloying and carries a long, clean finish. This is an aromatic dessert wine in a fresher register than the darker fortified styles. Serve chilled at around 8 to 10 degrees. It suits fruit tarts, citrus and almond cakes, and stronger blue cheeses.