2020 Domaine Douloufakis "Dafnios" Liatiko, Crete, Greece
ABOUT THIS WINE
100% Liatiko—one of Crete’s noblest indigenous red grapes—historically used for sun-dried sweet wines, but increasingly explored for dry table reds. Aged for 12 months in large, used French barrels.
ABOUT THIS PRODUCER
Located in the hills south of the Cretan capital of Herakleion, the family domaine of the Alba-educated Nikos Douloufakis is one of the highest-quality small producers on the island. The town of Dafnes where the vineyards are situated gives name to one of one of Crete’s best-known appellations, but one currently only valid for red wines based on the Liatiko grape. Though he excels with Liatiko, Nikos also shines with the extremely promising indigenous white variety of Vidiano, appellations be damned. His chemical-free farming, sensitive winemaking and recent explorations into skin contact and ancient fermentation vessels mark him out as a name to watch.