Ktima Merkouri — Foloi 2023

Ktima Merkouri's Foloi 2023, a blend of 90% Roditis and 10% Viognier from the Peloponnese, really caught me off guard. I was genuinely under the impression that I was drinking a Malagousia blend — I was SO surprised to see such a fruity interpretation of Roditis here in the south. And there was substantial grip from tannins! Those 10% Viognier contribute a ton of apricot to the profile. To be sure, it's not an overly complex wine, but its lack of acidity is nicely balanced by CO2, making it drink very well. At 87 points, it's an enjoyable and surprisingly expressive white.