The Island of Crete and its wines

Crete is one of the oldest wine regions in the world, cradle of the Minoan civilisation and a meeting point between the Mediterranean, Africa and the Middle East.
The island has had unbroken viticulture for over 4.000 years, documented by archaeological finds, amphorae and ancient presses.

Today Crete is one of the most dynamic wine districts in Greece, with a modern production deeply rooted in the heritage of the indigenous grape varieties.
The area is dominated by hills, plateaux and mountains reaching 2.400 metres, with vineyards spreading between 0 and 900 metres above sea level.

The a dry Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and breezy summers, combined with soils limestone, clay and volcanic, allows the creation of wines aromatic, sunny and balanced, perfect for interpreting the island's character.

What is the Crete wine region?

Crete is divided into 4 main wine macro-areas:

1. Heraklion (Candia)

The heart of Cretan production.

• PDO areas: Peza, Archanes, Dafnes

2. Chania (Canea)

Known for fresh, aromatic grape varieties at higher altitudes.

3. Lasithi

The easternmost area, famous for its mineral whites.

4. Rethymno

An up-and-coming area for Vidiano, a grape variety of very high quality.

The main PDO (Protected Designations of Origin) of the island are:

• Peza PDO – Whites from Vilana, reds from Kotsifali and Mandilaria

• Archanes PDO – Structured reds from Kotsifali and Mandilaria

• Dafnes PDO – Reds and sweet wines from Liatiko

• Sitia PDO – Mineral high-altitude whites and reds

• Malvasia di Sitia PDO – Sweet and oxidative wines from an ancient tradition

And numerous IGP Crete, focused on indigenous and international grape varieties.

Characteristics of Crete Wines

Whites

• Colour: Pale straw yellow or light gold

• Aromas: White flowers, citrus, Mediterranean herbs, salinity

• Palate: Fresh, mineral, balanced, often aromatic

Reds

• Colour: Bright ruby, sometimes darker in the international versions

• Aromas: Red fruit, spices, wild herbs, spicy notes

• Palate: Sunny, soft, with good structure and sweet tannins

Typical Grape Varieties of Crete

White Grape

• Vilana – fresh, floral, delicate

• Vidiano – aromatic, soft, one of the most promising

• Thrapsathiri – elegant, mineral

• Malvasia di Candia Aromatica

• Remaila, Muscat di Spina

Black Grape

• Kotsifali – fruity, spicy, the backbone of the red blends

• Mandilaria – tannic and structured

• Liatiko – an ancient grape variety for complex reds and sweet wines

• Romeiko, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon

Why choose a wine from Crete?

• To discover extremely rare indigenous grape varieties, found only on the island

• For the whites Mediterranean but fresh, perfect with seafood cooking

• For reds spicy, warm and harmonious

• For winemaking traditions rooted in antiquity

• For value for money excellent value for money, often superior to mainland Greek wines