Ampelourgein 2019 Crete "Erotodiomataris"

Hailing from the eastern end of Crete high up in the central mountains between the north and south coasts. This is a 50/50 blend of Kotsifali and Mandilari from original rootstock, around 100 year old vines at an altitude of 950m! Mandilari is the king of the indigenous varieties of the island. It produces a full-bodied red that offers plum, anise and fig flavors with a backbone of leather and high acidity, very rich in color. For this reason, they often mix it with varieties such as Kotsifali. The latter is an excellent red variety that has a soft, sweet taste loaded with plum aromas. The fleshy Kotsifali -which can also be characterized as the Merlot of Crete, makes wines of high quality, very aromatic, low in acidity but with an unstable color. For this reason, they combine it with the variety Mandilari. The name Erodiomataris basically means the wine that "helps you get it on"; the drawing of the winemaker's grandparents on the label are there not because of their erotic escapades, but as the developers of this cuvee. In any case, a perfect red for Valentines Day and Bordeaux lovers! - GH