THRAPSATHIRI, ILIANA MALIHIN

Iliana Malihin's Thrapsathiri wine is a rare and highly regarded Greek white wine from the island of Crete, in the mountainous region of Rethymno. It is made from the indigenous Thrapsathiri grape, organically cultivated on clay and schist soils at an altitude of 700 to 900 meters, particularly around the village of Melambes.

Thrapsathiri – Grape Variety Overview

• Origin: Crete (mainly in the Heraklion and Rethymno regions)
• Style of wine: Primarily dry white wines
• Aromatics & Flavor Profile:
  • Floral notes (such as white blossoms)
  • Citrus fruits (like lemon, lime)
  • Herbal hints (sometimes oregano or fennel)
  • Often a mineral, saline touch, especially when grown in mountainous or coastal soils
• Texture & Structure:
  • Medium to full-bodied
  • Often has a rounded mouthfeel
  • Balanced acidity (can be vibrant when grown at altitude)
• Aging Potential:
  • Can age well, especially if oak-fermented or amphora-aged
  • Some producers explore skin-contact and natural wine styles

Viticultural Characteristics:

• Altitude-sensitive: Shows great complexity when grown in higher elevations (e.g., 700–900 m like in Mélambes)
• Climate: Thrives in warm, dry climates with significant diurnal temperature variation
• Resilience: Drought-resistant, making it ideal for Crete’s arid conditions

Food Pairings:

Pairs beautifully with:

• Grilled or baked fish
• Shellfish and octopus
• Salads with herbs or citrus dressings
• Light cheeses like manouri or fresh mizithra
• Traditional Cretan dishes like boureki or dakos

Thrapsathiri is part of the current Greek wine renaissance, with top producers like Iliana Malihin bringing it international attention by focusing on old vines and natural farming methods.