Grapes

Kotsifali

Kotsifali is a light, red-skinned grape variety grown primarily on the Greek islands of Crete and Rhodes. Varietal wines made from the variety tend to be corpulent and powerfully alcoholic, yet lacking in structure and color. As such, it is usually blended with Mandilaria to make classic Cretan red wines. The naturally high sugar levels found in Kotsifali grapes make for strongly alcoholic wines. This is particularly true when the grapes are harvested late in the season, when the sugars are at their most developed. Kotsifali is typically harvested in late August. As is the case with many traditional European blends, Kotsifali benefits from its reciprocal relationship with Mandilaria. As Kotsifali has a distinct lack of anthocyanins, the compounds that give color, it makes a light colored wine. Mandilaria has plentiful anthocyanins as well as tannins which, when blended with Kotsifali, makes a well-rounded wine. Kotsifali lends its delicate characters of spice and red berries as well. 

Syrah

Producer

Dourakis

Dourakis winery is located in the mountain village of Alikambos, in Chania. The small family vines are scattered in the wider region on sloping and rocky ground, between the Cretan Sea and the slopes of Leyka Ori. The primary goal of the winery is the creation of high quality wines, with respect to the island's tradition, integrating the uniqueness of Cretan varieties and the organic cultivation of the vineyards.