Heraklion wines awarded at the Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge

Heraklion is a protected geographical indication recognised in 1989, whose zone corresponds to the regional unit of the same name, in the central-eastern part of Crete, on the island's northern side. Vines must be planted above 30 metres in altitude. The zone encloses three more restrictive protected designations of origin, Peza, Archanes and Dafnes, which makes it Crete's main winegrowing area. The specifications authorise a wide range of grape varieties: in white, Athiri, Vilana, Vidiano, Dafni, Thrapsathiri, Muscat Blanc, Plyto, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Sylvaner; in red, Kotsifali, Kotsifoliatiko, Liatiko, Ladikino, Mandilaria, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, Merlot, Mourvèdre and Syrah. This openness to international varieties, alongside indigenous ones, sets the appellation apart from the protected designations of origin attached to it, which are more strictly limited to local grapes.

Grape varieties: Kotsifali, mandelaria

The wines of this appellation

Heraklion produces white, rosé and red wines, each made in dry, medium-dry and medium-sweet styles. Vilana whites offer crisp freshness and fruity aromas, while vidiano gives fuller-bodied wines with moderate acidity and notes of peach, apricot, melon and white flowers, sometimes lifted by a mineral edge. The reds often rest on the kotsifali-mandilaria blend: kotsifali brings roundness, alcohol and cherry aromas with velvety tannins, mandilaria contributes colour, tannin and acidity, with good ageing potential when vinified alone. The ancient local liatiko grape yields both dry and sweet reds. The whites pair with fish and seafood, the rosés with light Mediterranean cuisine, and the reds with grilled meats and aged cheeses.