If you ask anyone which countries are famous for their wine, many will probably answer France, Italy, or Spain. Some wine connoisseurs will also name South Africa, Australia, the USA, and Chile. But Greek wine isn’t particularly popular among connoisseurs.
It’s believed that the taste of Greek, and especially Cretan, wine is simple and too dry.
Wine is a living product. And everyone perceives it differently.
Every country has its own wines. Many varieties that delight wine lovers leave me completely indifferent. I’m not going to hold a competition to see whose wine is better—Italian or Greek.
I can say that Turkish, Egyptian, and Chinese wine were revelations for me at one time, and I’ve been disappointed in many wine countries.
Crete grows dozens of indigenous grape varieties, from which wine has been made for centuries.
Among them are several of my favorite varieties.
1. Kotsifali.
This is a grape variety used to make dry red wine. The resulting wine has a high alcohol content but a pale pink color. This variety grows in central Crete.
The berries are small. It is believed that this grape variety originates from Crete. Kotsifali wine itself is nothing special, but by blending it with another Cretan variety, Mandilari, winemakers create a unique bouquet!
2. Mandilari.
This is another local grape variety. It is characterized by low alcohol (low sugar content) and a very rich red, almost black color.
The combination of Mandilari and Kotsifali produces a bouquet unique in aroma, flavor, and aftertaste.
Some M and K grapes surpass the taste and aroma of famous Californian and Australian Cabernet Sauvignons (this is my personal opinion).
I highly recommend Kotsifali and Mandilari to red wine lovers. Unfortunately, this wine is little known internationally.
3. Romeiko.
The name comes from the word “Romei,” the Byzantine name for themselves. This grape variety was most likely developed during the Byzantine Empire.
This grape variety produces white, rosé, and red wines. It grows in western Crete, from Kissamos to Rethymno.
Romeiko wine is typically quite strong, often reaching 16% alcohol. It is vaguely reminiscent of sherry, especially when aged for more than six years.
The wine has a very interesting, intense flavor, with an oak barrel finish. This drink is suitable for lovers of strong wine. This wine is not drunk as a regular wine. It should be savored, in small sips, and preferably paired with Cretan cheese, whose flavor complements the aroma of the wine.
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