The largest Greek island, Crete, is also home to a storied winemaking tradition that dates back millennia. The island's rich history of winemaking can be traced back to its ideal climate, rich soil, and native grape varietals. Crete's winemaking has changed and adapted over time, from the Minoans to the Byzantines, the Venetians, and the Ottomans. Today, the island of Crete is known for its distinctive Cretan wine types, which are true to the country's terroir and rich cultural history. The island is home to the prefecture of Heraklion, and its many wine trails have vineyards and wineries where visitors can try the island's distinctive vintages
Some background on the origins of Crete's wine industry
- The Minoan Civilizationwas founded on the island of Crete and reached its peak between 2700 and 1450 BC. The Minoans were early Europeans who created a sophisticated society around winemaking. They made wine the old-fashioned way, by stomping the grapes underfoot and storing them in huge clay amphorae known as pithoi.
- Winemaking in Crete had further development during the Byzantineand Venetian periods (the 5th to 17th centuries). The knowledge and methods of winemaking were preserved for centuries thanks to the efforts of Byzantine monks. The Venetians brought new techniques and grape varietals to the island's wine industry.
- Religious prohibitions on intoxicating beverages posed serious problems for the wine industry during the Ottoman era (17th to 19th century). But underground wine production continued, usually in monasteries or other religious enclaves.
Cretan Wine Varieties
Twenty-first century Crete saw major shifts in the way wine was produced. The vineyards were replanted with carefully chosen grape types and modern farming methods were implemented. Producers of wine improved their standards and began looking abroad for new customers. Crete's native grape types are among the reasons the island is so well-known for its wine. The unique aromas and flavors of Cretan wines can be attributed in large part to these grape types.
Some of the best-known Cretan wine types include:
- The white grape variety Vidiano has been increasingly popular in recent years. It's used to make white wines with flowery notes, citrus undertones, and stone fruit aromas.
- Another popular white grape on Crete is the Vilana. It produces light, citrusy white wines with a hint of herbs.
- Kotsifali is a type of red grape that grows well on Crete. Wines made from this grape tend to be of a medium body and show off flavors of red berries, spices, and herbs.
- Mandilaria is a major red grape variety grown on Crete. It helps produce dark red wines with pronounced tannins, dark fruit flavors, and subtle spice notes.
- Plyto is 'herbal, slightly grassy character with a delicate chalky, pear-grained texture and juicy citrus flavours' according to white grapes
- The various aromas of Dafni bring to mind the well-known plant dafni (laurel), hence its name. Quite a remarkable white grape variety, whose scarcity is matched by the rarity of its taste character,.
- Liatiko is an excellent red grape variety which may be lacking in color, but offers unique sweetness and character. The mind-blowing sweet and dry PDO Sitia and Dafnes wines are indisputable proof.
- This special clone white grape of the aromatic Malvasia has returned to the fore, offering a real scented bouquet to both sweet and dry wines of the island.
- This clone of Muscat di spina is a small white grape In fact, its thin skin skyrockets the fine character of the dry wines it offers.
- A particularly resistant variety which gives lively red wines with high alcohol content, average acidity and variable color – due to the distinctive variegated grapes growing on the numerous branches of the plant. The traditional wine Marouvas, which resembles sherry, is made out of this variety.
The Heraklion Prefecture's Wine Roads
Visitors can experience the vineyards, wineries, and local culture of the Heraklion prefecture by following one of the several wine routes that have been established there.
Some of the best wine tours in the area include:
- The Peza Wine Routeis widely recognized as one of the finest wine tours in all of Heraklion. It encompasses the Peza area, well-known for its wines and vineyards. While taking in the breathtaking landscape, tourists can partake in wine tastings, explore the facilities, and learn about the winemaking process.
- The Archanes region has a rich history in winemaking, and visitors can learn about it by following the Archanes Wine Route. This path leads tourists to historic wineries, vineyards, and wine presses. There will also be wine and food tastings from the area.
- Located south of Heraklion, the Dafnes region is home to the Dafnes Wine Route. Wineries can be seen along this path.
Posted on : 13/06/2023
