Grape Variety:
100% Vidiano
Annual Production:
Limited production; specific volume not specified.
Introduction:
Vidiano Old Vines – Amygdalos from Iliana Malihin Winery is a distinctive white wine crafted from the indigenous Vidiano grape, sourced from the Amygdalos vineyard in Crete. This wine reflects the winery's commitment to reviving old pre-phylloxera vineyards and showcases the unique terroir of the Rethymno region.
Cultivation:
The Vidiano grapes for this wine are harvested from old vines in the Amygdalos vineyard, situated in the Rethymno region of Crete. The vineyard is characterized by high elevation, slopes, terraces, and diverse soil compositions, including schist, sand, clay, and quartz with clay. Cultivation practices are organic, with a focus on sustainability and respect for the land.
Vinification:
Grapes are hand-harvested and undergo spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts. The wine matures with the sounds of traditional Cretan music, a unique practice believed to influence its development. Sulfites are added before bottling, and the wine is not filtered, preserving its natural character.
Flavor Characteristics:
This wine exhibits a complex aromatic profile with notes of ripe stone fruits, citrus, and floral undertones. On the palate, it offers a harmonious balance of acidity and minerality, with a rich texture and a lingering finish.
Food Pairing:
Vidiano Old Vines – Amygdalos pairs excellently with shellfish, crab, and lobster, complementing the delicate flavors of seafood dishes.
Uniqueness:
This wine stands out for its use of old vine Vidiano grapes from a specific vineyard, highlighting the unique terroir of the Amygdalos site. The minimal intervention approach, including spontaneous fermentation and maturation with traditional Cretan music, adds to its distinctive character.
Grape Variety:
100% Thrapsathiri
Annual Production:
Approximately 800 bottles
Introduction:
Thrapsathiri from Iliana Malihin Winery is a distinctive white wine crafted from the indigenous Thrapsathiri grape, native to Crete. This wine 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.
Cultivation:
The Thrapsathiri grapes are sourced from vineyards in the Melampes region of Crete, comprising a mix of young vines (around 10 years old) and ancient, pre-phylloxera vines exceeding 140 years in age. The vineyards are situated at altitudes ranging from 40 to 800 meters, planted in clay and schist soils. Cultivation follows organic methods without irrigation, adhering to a holistic and sustainable philosophy.
Vinification:
Grapes are hand-harvested and undergo destemming before pressing. Fermentation occurs with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel tanks at 20°C, involving extended skin contact to enhance flavor extraction. Approximately 10% of the wine matures in third-use barrels for eight months, while the remainder stays in stainless steel, followed by an additional nine months of bottle aging. During maturation, Cretan music is played to the wine, a unique practice believed to influence its development. The wine is bottled without filtration and with minimal sulphite addition, preserving its natural character.
Flavor Characteristics:
This wine exhibits a light, crisp profile with floral notes and beautifully balanced acidity. On the palate, it is characterized by Mediterranean herbs, ripe fruit, and a soft, rich texture that is not heavy, reflecting the unique honeyed texture typical of the Cretan vineyard.
Food Pairing:
Thrapsathiri pairs excellently with light fish dishes, pasta, or can be enjoyed on its own as a refreshing aperitif, offering a taste of Crete's vibrant wine culture.
Uniqueness:
This wine stands out for its minimal intervention approach, combining grapes from both young and ancient pre-phylloxera vines. The practice of playing Cretan music during maturation adds a cultural touch to the winemaking process, enhancing its uniqueness.
Grape Variety:
100% Vidiano
Annual Production:
N/A
Introduction:
Vidiano Young Vines from Iliana Malihin Winery is a vibrant expression of the indigenous Vidiano grape, sourced from the mountainous regions of Rethymno, Crete. Crafted by one of Greece's progressive young winemakers, this wine reflects a commitment to organic farming and minimal intervention, highlighting the fresh and expressive character of Vidiano.
Cultivation:
The Vidiano vines, aged up to 15 years, are cultivated organically in the mountain villages of Rethymno, notably Melampes and Fourfouras, at altitudes between 600 and 900 meters. The vineyards are dry-farmed and maintained without chemical interventions, adhering to a holistic and sustainable philosophy.
Vinification:
Grapes are hand-harvested and gently de-stemmed before fermentation. Natural yeasts present on the grape skins initiate fermentation in stainless steel tanks. The wine matures on its lees for six months, accompanied by the melodies of Cretan music, enhancing its texture and complexity. Bottling is done without fining, preserving the wine's natural vibrancy.
Flavor Characteristics:
This wine presents a medium lemon color with high-toned aromas of white peach, pear, apricot skin, chamomile, and citrus leaf. On the palate, it is vibrant and textured, offering notes of lemon, melon peel, and herbs, culminating in a clean, refreshing finish.
Food Pairing:
Vidiano Young Vines pairs excellently with seafood dishes, grilled vegetables, and light poultry. Its crisp acidity and mineral backbone complement Mediterranean cuisine, making it a versatile choice for various dining experiences.
Uniqueness:
This wine showcases the potential of young Vidiano vines from high-altitude, organic vineyards in Crete. The minimal-intervention approach, including natural fermentation and lees aging, results in a wine that authentically expresses the terroir and the indigenous Vidiano grape's youthful exuberance.