Skip to product information
1 of 1

Cellar

Liatiko Red 2022 | Iliana Malihin

Regular price $60.00 NZD
Regular price Sale price $60.00 NZD
Special Sold out
Shipping calculated at checkout.

✔ 10% When purchasing 12 or more bottles

At her winery on Crete's Mount Vouvala, Iliana Malihin makes some of the most exciting wines in Greece. The steep terraces in this area are the site of many historic vineyards planted with native varieties, including some pre-phylloxera Vidiano. In July 2022 devastating wildfires swept through the area, destroying more than 80% of the oldest vines and olive trees. What remains is now even more precious, and Iliana is determined to assist local growers in replanting and restoring what would otherwise be lost. Farming is organic and the winemaking highly skilled. The resulting wines are brimming with energy, finely structured and seriously complex.The Liatiko comes from 50 year old vines and is aged in a combination of oak, concrete and stainless steel for nine months. It is a full-bodied, spicy, tangy red with notes of sour cherry.

About the domaine:

Iliana Malihin’s new project focuses on the mountain villages of Rethymno, aiming to revive the region’s viticultural traditions. The first duo of labels showcases the mountain village of Melampes and the Vidiano variety, highlighting the origins of Crete's promising grape. The goal is to produce wines from various villages in Rethymnon, emphasizing the indigenous varieties unique to each area.

While Rethymno may lag behind other prefectures, it is home to forgotten mountain vineyards at altitudes between 600 and 900 meters. Villages like Melampes and Fourfoura feature stunning self-rooted, pre-drying vineyards on steep terraces.

This project collaborates with local viticulturists to revive old vineyards and plant new ones with Vidiano and other varieties. Organic, manual cultivation is prioritized, along with minimal intervention in winemaking, using native yeasts and low sulfites to showcase the unique terroir.

The initial results are two Vidiano wines produced in small quantities. The old vines, aged 90 to 140 years, deliver complexity and depth, while the young vines, under 15 years, offer vibrancy and youthful aromas. Both wines, from the same variety and region, express themselves distinctly.

This project embodies the rich heritage of the Greek vineyard, showcasing new producers setting Greek wine on an exciting new path.

FREE DELIVERY INSTRUCTION

Delivery Policy