The rare low-yield Plakoura vineyard is a premier cru slope at 500m. Altitude, with sandy, stony soil. The head-trained pruning in combination with the north-east exposure of the vineyard and plenty of sunshine, ensures that the grapes reach optimum ripeness at the time of harvest. Very thorough cultivation helps us achieve extremely low yields, succeeding in vinificating a very concentrated wine with a deep red colour and an excellent structure, which will age for a long time.

Alcohol: 14.2%

Acidity: 6,9g/lt

pH: 3.18

Res.Sugar: 2.1 g/lt

Vineyard/Viticulture

Region: “Plakoura” vineyard, Karkadiotisa area, central Crete

Soil: Sandy-loam with a good amount of stone

Aspect: North-east

Vines: Head-trained, spur pruned

Altitude: 500m above sea level

Irrigation: Not Irrigation

Yield: 5tn/ha

Varieties: Mandilari 100%

Wine making:

Green harvest in August. Harvested by hand during the second week of September, defined by berry sensory assessment to obtain a proper fruit and aromatic balance. 18% of the grapes were sun dried for 3 days in order to achieve aromatic complexity and concentration. Fermentation with selected yeasts at temperatures between 25°C and 28°C. The wine was aged for 12 months in new and re-used oak barrels of both Αmerican (43%) and French (57%) oak.

Tasting Note:

Deep, intense red colour. In the nose, rich aromas of ripe cherry and dark fruit, as well as liquorice are superbly balanced by the chocolate and vanilla notes provided by its storage in oak. Full and well structured in the mouth, with a lively acidity, noticeable tannins and a long spicy aftertaste. This wine has an excellent bottle-ageing potential that can overpass 10 years.

Food matches:

Grilled red meat, game and piquant cheese. Serve at 16°C - 17°C.