# Nostos Blend (2018)

- **Producer:** Manousakis Winery
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Syrah, Mourvèdre, Grenache, Roussanne
- **Region:** Crete, Greece
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.5%
- **Average price:** €31
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** blackberry, cassis, black pepper, cherry, cedar, cloves, vanilla, leather, tobacco, olive

## About this wine

The Manousakis Winery Nostos Blend 2018 is a red wine from Crete, Greece, featuring a blend of Syrah, Mourvèdre, Grenache, and Roussanne. It is classified as a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) Chania. The winery, founded by Ted Manousakis, is dedicated to organic farming and sustainable development, with the wine's name, 'Nostos,' reflecting a deep connection to heritage. The unique Cretan terroir, characterized by clay and limestone soils and significant altitude variations, contributes to the wine's distinct expression, drawing parallels to Southern Rhône styles.

## Interesting facts

- The name 'Nostos' means 'the yearning to return to one's homeland' in Greek.
- This wine is often compared to Châteauneuf-du-Pape due to its blend.
- Grapes are grown at altitudes ranging from 380m to 600m.
- The winery practices organic and sustainable farming methods.

## Food pairing

The wine's medium+ body and firm tannins are well-suited to complement the richness of red meats and game. Flavors of dark fruit and spice in the wine can echo or contrast with herbs and savory elements in traditional Greek and robust dishes.

## Wine making process

The Nostos Blend is produced through the separate vinification of its constituent grape varieties: Syrah, Mourvèdre, Grenache, and Roussanne. Fermentation for the red varieties takes place in temperature-controlled tanks. Following fermentation, the wine is aged for approximately 10 months, with 75% of the aging occurring in French oak barrels and 25% in American oak barrels. The winery emphasizes organic and sustainable farming practices throughout its vineyard management and production processes.