Liatiko Rosé 2022 | Iliana Malihin

This remarkable rosé showcases Iliana’s resilience and passion, standing strong despite the wildfire that ravaged much of her historic vineyards. Produced in a land rich with old goblet-trained vines, Iliana has crafted an exceptional rosé from the prized Liatiko variety of Crete. The wine is made from field-blend vineyards, highlighting Liatiko’s unique characteristics.

For the vinification, 80% of the wine was extracted after 5 hours of skin contact, while the remaining 20% was left with the skins for two days. Native yeasts, minimal sulphites, and no fining were used, with 8 months of lees aging to develop its texture, structure, and depth. This gastronomic rosé is perfect for pairing with Mediterranean dishes like stuffed pasta, chicken with okra, or green beans.

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.