Crete

Heraklion holds an important concentration of vineyards, with Peza, Archanes and Dafnes among the names to recognise. The white grapes Vidiano and Vilana provide different introductions to the island. Kotsifali and Mandilaria often work together in reds, while Liatiko has its own place in both dry and sweet wines.

The island’s broad origin and its smaller appellations should be read separately. A PGI Crete wine can make room for a single local grape or a blend that does not fit a narrower PDO. That flexibility is useful when exploring revived varieties, so the more general label does not necessarily mean a less interesting wine.