Efrosini Sophia White

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. 

Vidiano is white Greek white grape variety indigenous to Crete, considered as an emerging star. The grape is difficult to cultivate and is grown in small scale, primarily in Rethymno and around Heraklion. It thrives in modestly fertile, dry, calcareous and well-drained soils. The berries ripen early and have thick skin. Vidiano resistant to downy mildew yet sensitive to powdery mildew. It is genetically close to Thrapsathiri and Vilana.

The trophy winner, this is an organic white made from  Chardonnay 60%, Vidiano 40%,aged for  6 months in French oak barrels. Ripe peach and apricot with fresh ginger, grilled pineapple, nougat and hazelnut; full-bodied yet with some mineral freshness on the finish. A serious, full-bodied gastronomic white.