Sous le Végetal, Octave 2022

A stunning vinification project by Patrick Bouju and Jason Ligas from the volcanic soils of Samos, Greece. Sous le Vegetal seeks to reflect the micro-terroirs of the island as well as different expressions of the rare varietal Muscat à Petits Grains through varying ageing and maceration techniques. The vines are found at the base of Mount Karvounis where they are exposed to both the sun and sea. In line with both winemakers personal projects, strict biodynamic practices are used in the vineyards, grapes are harvested by hand and absolutely nothing is added in the winemaking process. Octave 22 is made entirely from small-grain muscat from Samos grown in places called Pagondas, Karvounis and Platanos — eight plots from four terroirs, okto meaning “eight” in Greek. Octave 2022 would pair well with dishes with some sweetness and spice, like a massaman curry.