Milia Riza – Prelude 2019

This special sparkling wine was discussed as part of a Moschofilero tasting – a wine that marks the debut of the young estate Milia Riza. The Prelude is made from Moschofilero grapes from Mantinia, harvested in 2019. After 8 months in stainless steel with regular bâtonnage, the wine was bottled for a further 15 months of secondary fermentation using the Méthode Traditionelle and disgorged in September 2021. Milia Riza aims to become the first Greek winery dedicated entirely to the production of sparkling wines using the Méthode Traditionelle – and some exciting wines from their own vineyards are already taking shape.

Admittedly, 15 months on the lees don't yet allow for a dazzling perlage. But even if you let this sit in the glass for a while and drank it as a still wine with a bit too much fizz, it would still be very, very delicious. Wonderful citrus aromas harmonize beautifully with the 12.5% alcohol. Only 530 bottles were released. Despite the limited bubbling – an excellent 90 points.