Μοσχάτος Λήμνου (Moschatos Limnou)

Greece · PDO · Νησιά Αιγαίου

Styles

Natural factors

Volcanic, fine-grained, and deep soils allow deep root penetration and water autonomy for the vine.
Slightly acidic soils, rich in minerals and potassium; potassium raises sugar levels and favours the production of sweet wines.
Vineyards range from 0 to approximately 300 m elevation; the absence of steep slopes helps retain available moisture through the summer.
Mean maximum temperatures in July and August are 29°C and 28.2°C respectively, among the lowest recorded on the Greek islands, with no extreme heat-wave conditions.

Human factors

Muscat of Alexandria was introduced to Limnos in the early twentieth century by Greeks returning from Egypt, gradually displacing the indigenous Limnio.
The vines are trained in a gobelet (cup-shaped) form 40–45 cm above the ground with short pruning to 1–2 buds, adapted to the strong northerly winds.

Product characteristics

The Moschatos Limnou PDO is characterised by a fruity nose with notes of apricot and mint, a full body, and a round, smooth presence on the palate.
The high potassium content of the volcanic soils enhances grape sugar accumulation, leading to the production of high-quality sweet wines.

Terroir / wine link

The volcanic, potassium-rich soils of Limnos promote ripening and sugar development, resulting in sweet PDO wines with a fruity nose of apricot and mint.

Facts drawn from the cahier's terroir-link section (Lien au terroir) by automatic interpretation — see the source.