A Greek Sparkling Wine to Celebrate the New Year: Azzardà Extra Brut 2021 Blanc de Noir Milia Riza

The new year brings with it countless resolutions and fresh opportunities—what better occasion to celebrate with a truly special and undoubtedly little-known sparkling wine?

I had the pleasure of tasting this wine thanks to a dear Greek friend Haris Papandreou, a true connoisseur who introduced me to this sparkling gem from Nemea, in the Peloponnese. This Blanc de Noir is crafted from the Agiorgitiko grape, also known as Saint George’s grape.

The wine is produced by Milia Riza Winery, a collaboration between two winemakers: Greek Nancy Mazou and Italian Stefano Stante. Together, they’ve combined their expertise to launch a winemaking venture in Nemea, focusing on cultivating Agiorgitiko, Chardonnay, Moschofilero, and Pinot Noir.

Nemea’s Legacy in Winemaking

Located in the northeastern Peloponnese, between the Corinthian and Argolic Gulfs, Nemea PDO Region is renowned for its diverse terroir. Spanning nearly 3,000 hectares at altitudes ranging from 250 to 900 meters above sea level, Nemea offers exceptional conditions for viticulture, thanks to its varied soils, slopes, and exposures.

Though traditionally known for red wines, Nemea has untapped potential for producing high-quality sparkling wines, especially from Agiorgitiko. Milia Riza has embraced this challenge, showcasing the versatility of the region and its signature grape.

Milia Riza Beyond Nemea

The winery also extends its vision to the neighboring Mantineia region. At an altitude of 623 meters, Milia Riza collaborates with a local producer to source organic Moschofilero, a highly aromatic, pink-skinned grape that thrives in Mantineia’s cool climate.

Moschofilero, known for its floral aromas of rose petals, jasmine, and citrus blossoms, along with its vibrant acidity, is an ideal candidate for premium sparkling wine production. Milia Riza’s exploration of this variety highlights the growing recognition of Moschofilero as a standout in Greek viticulture.

Azzardà Extra Brut Blanc de Noir 2021 is made exclusively from 100% Agiorgitiko grown in the Poria and Xerocambes areas. The wine spends over 24 months on the lees, resulting in a luminous straw-yellow color in the glass, with fine and persistent bubbles. On the nose, it reveals elegant aromas of red fruits, toasted bread, and hawthorn flowers. On the palate, the sip is dynamic, fresh, and silky, with good persistence.

This wine pairs wonderfully with seafood risotto and represents an exciting new expression of the Agiorgitiko grape in sparkling form.

Raise a glass of Azzardà to welcome the new year and savor the innovation and tradition of Greece in every sip!