Efrosini Nichtopouli Red

With a rapidly growing reputation in Crete and beyond, Efrosini is a small- medium-sized Cretan winery located near Heraklion. In the wild countryside of the village of Kerasia which is part of the Dafnes PDO. 

The family had a history of growing sultana grapes and graduated to wine in 1999 under the guidance of current generation Antonis and Maria Tylaki . Today they work with a combination of their own vineyards which are tended organically, and purchased grapes for the cheaper wines. Their vineyards  are located at 350 metres above sea  level on ideal clay-limestone soils.

A combination of local varieties are grown, including  Vidiano, Malvasia di Candia, Assyrtiko, Kotsifali and Liatiko, plus Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Chardonnay. The wines are precise and modern in style, while capturing the essence of the local grape varieties. 

They have already gained widespread recognition and medals, with their Sophia white blend appearing in the prestigious 50 Great Greek Wines awards. 

Their delicious  entry-level Nichtopouli red is made from two local grape varieties: Kotsifali 60% - Liatiko 40%. A light bodied red, translucent ruby with cool bramble fruits, soft tannins; very easy to drink and would work nicely slightly chilled.

Kostifali, on its own, produces a wines pale in colour, aromatic, relatively high in alcohol, soft in tannins and acidity. Thus most Kotsifali is blended with other red grape varieties. It is mostly planted in Heraklion.

Liatiko is an indigenous Cretan grape variety with relatively low colour intensity, verging on the garnet and a nose rich, ripe red fruit and sweet spices. The palate is full, with high levels of alcohol, fresh acidity, yet soft tannins. It is frequently used for sweet wines made from sun-dried grapes with long barrel ageing.