If you’re a wine enthusiast, the island of Crete is an excellent place to explore new wine varieties. Cretan winemakers have been passionate about winemaking since ancient times, blending traditional grape varieties and their knowledge with modern technology to produce various types of wine. The island’s geographical location, with its mountains, sea, intense sunshine, and warm climate, creates optimal climatic conditions for wine production.
Reflecting the Cretan culture and diverse character, its wines made popular for their acidic character that pairs perfectly with Cretan traditional flavors. Currently, there are vineyards all over the island, and at least one winery worth visiting and tasting its wines. It is likely to be one of the many reasons why you should visit the island, and it will undoubtedly make you fall in love with it!
One of the most famous varieties of red wine in Crete is Kotsifali, the Merlot of Crete, with a sweet-drinking character and intense plum aromas. Liatiko is more capricious in cultivation and sensitive to weather conditions, but if at the end of July the grapes have ripened properly, this variety yields a delicate and soft character with unique aromas of dried fruits and flowers. Mandilari is one of the most famous Cretan varieties of red wine in Crete, with a very strong body with a rich taste and acidity. Another popular variety is the Romeiko, with moderate acidity and high alcohol, but unstable colors, due to the idiosyncratic polychrome of the grapes. The red varieties retain the designation of origin mainly in Heraklion and Chania and are often used to combine with other Cretan varieties but also single, covering the tastes of every palate. They combine wonderfully with red meat and you can enjoy them with Cretan dishes such as lamb with rosemary.
In the region of Crete, there are many varieties of white wine available, with the most popular one being Vilana. With the use of modern winemaking techniques, it has managed to maintain its cool character with a delicate aroma and lemony taste for many years. Thrapsathiri is also very popular, a variety grown in many regions of Greece that produces a strong wine with a lively and balanced taste. Belonging to the popular grape-scented category of Moschato wines, Spina’s Moschato adjusts a delicate character with Spina’s grape variety of Chania, creating an excellent dry wine. The aromatic Malvazia is the latest Heraklion’s weapon in aromatic dry sweet wines with excellent aroma and intense character, also known as Malvazia di Candia.
Vidiano on the contrary, is a rare Cretan variety that tends to disappear, but it is an impressive and complex wine, with a balance of aromas and tastes of apricot, citrus fruits, and jasmine. Dafni is another variety that was saved thanks to the persistence of some dedicated wine growers. It has aromas reminiscent of the laurel plant (daphne in Greek), with a medium body and soft taste. The white wines mostly retain their designation of origin in Heraklion and Setia. They are typically paired with traditional Cretan cheeses, fish, or even sweets, and you can enjoy them with a plate of Cretan skoufichta pasta.
The island of Crete is also home to internationally renowned grape varieties, including Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet, and Sauvignon Blanc. The numerous local varieties have been cultivated on the island for many years, and come in many variations. During your visit to Crete, you can have the opportunity to explore the entire winemaking process, from production to bottling. You can take a tour of the vineyards and sample new flavors, combining them with local Cretan cuisine for a unique and delicious experience.
If you’re on the lookout for new and exciting flavors, look no further than the wine varieties of Crete. Whether you’re a wine expert or just looking to explore, the island’s offerings are sure to impress. Get ready to immerse yourself in the island’s rich culture and let the unique flavors take you on an unforgettable journey!