Which Grape Varieties Shape the Character of Cretan Wines?
Making a quick reference to the grapes for wine making, we would say that they have a tougher skin and juicy flesh in contrast to table grapes that have a thin skin and crisp flesh. The aromatic compounds, the pigments of red grapes (anthocyanins) and tannins are in the skin.
The main grape sugars are glucose and fructose. The main acid in grapes is tartaric. Sugars and acids are important in oenology because they determine the balance of wine flavour. The content of these substances depends each time on the variety, the subsoil, the climate as well as the ripening time of the grapes. There are many native Greek-Cretan grape varieties.
Overall, there are more than 300 precious native greek grape varieties that produce wines of different character. Each wine has its own personality which depends on the geological history of the production place, on the vineyards as well as on the winemakers, their tradition and culture.
In Douloufakis vineyards we cultivate Cretan, Greek and International grape varieties.
Learn about the Grape Varieties cultivated across Crete
Vidiano variety
Vidiano variety #Vidiano An old indigenous cultivar, which is also mentioned as “Avidiano”. Vines of…
Assyrtiko Variety
Assyrtiko Variety #Assyrtiko Assyrtiko is a white variety, indigenous to the island of Santorini, where…
Vilana Variety
Vilana Variety Vilana grape is grown in all four prefectures of Crete. Used to produce…
Muscat of Spina variety
Muscat of Spina variety #MuscatWhite White Muscat is a white grape variety known by many…
Malvasia Variety
Malvasia Variety Famous Cretan wine during the Venetian occupation of the island. This variety gives…
Chardonnay Variety
Chardonnay Variety White variety, one of the most significant and widely spread around the world….
Sauvignon Blanc Variety
Sauvignon Blanc Variety White variety of French origin which is grown around the world and…
Liatiko variety
Liatiko variety #Liatiko A unique variety, that dates back to the 3rd and 2nd century…
Kotsifali variety
KotsifaliRed Grape Variety From Crete #Kotsifali The most important, indigenous, red winemaking variety of Crete….
Mandilari variety
Mandilari variety Mandilari is an ancient indigenous Cretan variety. It gives us wines with characteristic…
Syrah Variety
Syrah Variety Interest in this variety has been steadily increasing in recent years among both…
Cabernet Sauvignon Variety
Cabernet Sauvignon Variety Cabernet Sauvignon is the undisputed king of red varieties. We can find it…
Sangiovese Variety
Sangiovese Variety Sangiovese is a grape variety that thrives in warm and dry climates. It…