NOSTOS ALEXANDRA'S 2019 - MANOUSAKIS WINERY

Nostos Alexandra’s Manousakis Winery is an emotional wine as it symbolizes the return of Alexandra, the youngest daughter of Theodoros (Ted) Manousakis, to Greece. For many, it is one of the best wines of the winery and they are not wrong! It now officially bears the signature of Alexandra since she has curated its amazing bottle, reminiscent of a piece of art you could see in MoMa (Museum of Modern Art).

Ted left for America at the tender age of 11. He always wanted to return to his homeland and do something to honor his place and traditions. The great winemaking tradition of Crete gave him the idea to build his own winery and so, in 1993 he planted the first vineyards. That was enough to "plant" the seed of yearning for return (nostos) to his daughter, Alexandra, who returned to Crete, leaving New York, a few years later. Alexandra and her husband Afsin have been at the helm of the winery for the last few years honoring her father's vision.

At the beginning of the winery, in 1993, an internationally renowned scientific team was recruited to select the varieties that would be grown on the slopes, around Vatolakkos, Chania. The Grenache of the Rhone Valley was one of the key varieties. Syrah and Mourvedre came a little later (as did Alexandra). Nostos Alexandra’s blend consists of 40% Syrah, 40% Mourvedre, and 20% Grenache Rouge. The grapes come from 2 different vineyards, one at an altitude of 380m and one at an altitude of 600m. Syrah is vinified in oak tanks while the other two are vinified in stainless steel tanks. After fermentation, the wine ages in French (75%) and American oak barrels (25%), for about 10 months.

Nostos Alexandra’s Manousakis Winery has a deep purple color and an intense nose full of red and black fruits such as cherry, plum, blueberry, sour cherry, and blackberry. Hints of vanilla, leather, licorice, tobacco, pepper, iodine, and pepper complete the aromatic bouquet.

On the palate, it has a medium (+) body, medium tannins and juicy, refreshing acidity. Ripe cherry, raspberry jam, plum, and sour cherry are mixed with notes of vanilla, smoke, toffee, chocolate, licorice, cinnamon, and eucalyptus.