Description

PRODUCER:
Idaia Winery is a boutique family-run winery situated in the Venerato, a charming village in the heart of the vineyards of the Malevizi district. Owned by husband and wife oenologists Vasilis Laderos and Calliope Volitaki, they specialise in producing wines from indigenous varieties and use their extensive knowledge, experience and passion to create these superb wines with strong personalities. Showcasing varietals such as Vidiano and Vilana, these crisp, dry, mouth-watering whites are truly expressive of the terroir of Crete.

VINEYARD:
The indigenous variety of Thrapshathiri is grown in the Dafnes region, in vineyards located at an altitude of 400 to 500 metres above sea level. At this elevation, the cool Aegean summer breezes refresh the vines during the summer, when temperatures can reach 35°C. The cooler nights can drop to 15°C and this diurnal temperature difference retains natural acidity in the grapes, balancing this rich and intensely aromatic variety. The calcium-rich, clayish soils offer good nutrients and excellent water retention to nourish the vines through the hot, dry summers. The low-yielding vines are trained according to the Royat method. The soils, very low-yielding vines and the distinctive microclimate combine to create a unique terroir in which the Thrapshathiri variety thrives.

WINEMAKING:
The winemaking philosophy is to create wines which showcase the quality of the indigenous varieties. Following a thorough inspection at the winery, the grapes were preserved for 24 hours at very low temperatures. The grapes were destemmed, then cold maceration took place for approximately six hours. The free-run juice was removed without having been pressed. After a cold settling, the wine was fermented with carefully selected yeasts, which highlight the aromatic characters of this variety. Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks at temperatures of 15°C, maintaining the purity of the fruit in the resulting wine.

TASTING NOTE:
A bright, uplifting wine, with delicate fruit aromas followed by a rich and charming palate beautifully balanced by a crisp finish.

GRAPES:
Thrapsathiri 100%.