TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Cretan Wine Types
Vilana is a white grape variety native to Crete that produces fresh and light white wines. It is a very productive and resistant grape that was mainly used as a workhorse variety that often created unimpressive bland wines. However, it was proven that with a careful approach, good terroir, and controlled yields, Vilana can make exciting and aromatic wines.
Vilana-based wines will usually have a refreshing character with citrus and green apple aroma and some floral nuances.
The wines will sometimes have subtle spice-like notes. The grape is used in varietals (Peza appellation) and blends, and though it is rarely aged, some producers experiment with oak aging, creating more complex Vilana examples. The approachable and easy-drinking Vilana wines would pair well with lighter local dishes.
Often dubbed as a true Mediterranean grape, this red-skinned variety from Greece typically produces aromatic wines that are high in alcohol but usually lack acidity and color. This is why Kostifali is mainly used in blends—most commonly with local Mandilaria.
The grape is traditionally cultivated on Crete. Kostifali is a high-yield grape, and despite its downsides, it can produce light, approachable, and balanced wines with a fruity character and hints of spices, herbs, and flowers. These wines are soft and mostly enjoyed young.
Vidiano is a native white grape from Crete that is mostly cultivated around Rethymnon. The grape is not widely known, but it has seen an upsurge in popularity in the last decade. It is usually used in varietal examples that are typically high in alcohol and acidity.
The wines are usually straw-colored and tend to turn darker with age. They have a rich and creamy texture, while the aroma is reminiscent of melon, apricot, and quince, sometimes with subtle floral notes. They will often have hints of spice and minerality.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Cretan Wine Producers
AWARDS
Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold
2019
BEST Dourakis Andreas Wines
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Cretan Wines
AWARDS
Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold
2019
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