August's jewel
Vostilidi is a white grape variety native to the Ionian Sea region. It is also known as Goustolidi (Kefalonia), Goustoulidi, Avgoustolidi (lit. "August's jewel"), and Voustolidi.
Primarily cultivated on the islands of Zakynthos and Kefalonia, Vostilidi has spread to the western Peloponnese, Aitoloakarnania, and Preveza. In the Peloponnese, it is most commonly found in Messenia, Ilia, Achaia, and more recently, Corinth.
This grapevine is vigorous, fertile, and productive but is susceptible to downy mildew while being resistant to drought. Vostilidi is primarily used to produce dry white wines, which can be aged in barrels or not. In both cases, aging in the bottle for several years seems to benefit the wine.
Vostilidi wines typically have a more intense yellow color, medium body, medium to high acidity, a slight tannin, and sometimes a greasy sensation. On the nose, aromas of citrus fruits, white-fleshed and tropical fruits, white flowers, and chamomile are distinguished. In winemaking with minimal intervention and in orange wine versions, the variety gains even more complexity, with botanical elements and honey notes, while the tannins are naturally more pronounced.
The wines produced are usually varietal and bear the geographical indications PGI Plagies Ainou and PGI Zakynthos. However, the variety also plays an important role in the wine with the traditional designation PGI Verdea of Zakynthos, along with the Skiadopoulo, Pavlos, Robola, and several other white and red varieties of the island.
In its dry versions, it can successfully accompany fatty white fish and white meats.
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