Established in 2019 by winemaker Iliana Malihin, the winery is situated in the village of Mélambes, Rethymnon, Crete. At just 26 years old, Iliana embarked on a journey to revitalize ancient vineyards, focusing on organic and biodynamic practices to produce wines that authentically express the Cretan terroir.
Location and Terroir
The winery’s vineyards are located at elevations between 560 and 900 meters, benefiting from the island’s diverse microclimates. The soils are a mix of clay and shale, providing a unique foundation for the cultivation of indigenous grape varieties.
Philosophy
Iliana Malihin Winery adheres to organic and biodynamic principles, emphasizing minimal intervention in both vineyard management and winemaking. The focus is on reviving ancient, ungrafted, pre-phylloxera vines, some over a century old, to produce wines that reflect the rich history and unique terroir of Rethymnon.
Notable Wines
The winery produces a range of wines, including:
Thrapsathiri: A white wine 100% Thrapsathiri embodies the winery’s commitment to minimal intervention and organic practices, resulting in a light, crisp, and refreshing expression with floral notes and balanced acidity.
Vidiano Old Vines: A white wine made from old-vine Vidiano, showcasing complexity and depth with notes of ripe fruit and subtle spices.
Sustainability
The winery is committed to sustainable practices, focusing on organic and biodynamic farming methods. Efforts are made to minimize interventions in the vineyard and cellar, aiming to produce wines that authentically express the Cretan terroir.
Uniqueness
Iliana Malihin Winery stands out for its dedication to reviving ancient, ungrafted, pre-phylloxera vineyards, some over a century old. This commitment to preserving traditional viticulture, combined with organic and biodynamic practices, results in wines that are deeply rooted in the history and terroir of Rethymnon.
Recognition
The winery has gained attention for its innovative approach to winemaking and its focus on indigenous grape varieties. Wines from Iliana Malihin Winery are available through select distributors and have been featured in various wine publications.