Sous la Vegetal (Bouju & Ligas), "Octave" 2018

This is a long, full-bodied white from Sous le Végétal, a collaborative project from two greats: Jason Ligas and Patrick Bouju. Winemaking goes down on the Greek Island of Samos, in the Aegean Sea.

Tasting Notes: Distinct from the entry-level "Livia," Octave is the bottling of eight different vineyard sites, showing off the varying soil types on Mount Karvounis. Additionally, the amphora and concrete impart a wider breadth in the palate and relaxes the otherwise heavily savory aspect this grape can sometimes take on. Chalky with sun-baked citrus and stone fruit. Delicious, medium-length white from an inimitable place.

Vinification: 100% Muscat Blanc á Petits Grains hand-harvested from eight different vineyard sites, with soils composed of schist, quartz, and limestone. The grapes are directly-pressed and spontaneous fermentation in amphora and concrete vats is kickstarted with only the help of indigenous yeasts. Unfined, unfiltered with no additional SO2 at bottling.

Producer Spotlight

The idea behind Sous le Végetal is to give authentic expression to the fantastic small-scale terrace vineyards that climb the slopes of Mount Karvounis. Extensive work has been done to repair and maintain the lands, walls and terraces, in an agriculture approaching permaculture. The grape variety is consistently the 'muscat blanc à petits grains' for which the island of Samos is famous, but which has been vinified here without additives. In short: an Aegean rock Muscat bursting with minerality!