LIATIKO IN 5'

GENERAL INFO

It is a variety that has its roots in antiquity and is considered one of the first to appear in the wider Mediterranean area. It originated from Crete and was the main variety in the blend, from which the most famous sweet wine in Greek history was produced during the Venetian period, the Malvasia wine! Its cultivation takes place almost exclusively in Crete and mainly in the prefectures of Heraklion and Lasithi, while it participates in the production of PDO Dafnes and PDO Sitia wines. Few reports of its existence have been made in the Southern Cyclades. It produces mainly dry red wines of exceptional finesse and very elegant rosés, while its rich aromatic potential is revealed in sweet wines.

CHARACTERISTICS

Liatiko is an early ripening variety and produces wines of low or medium color intensity, usually ranging between ruby and grenache, in reds and salmon pink with orange highlights in most rosés. Aromatically, it cannot be hidden, because its intense aromatic profile betrays it. Rich aromas of red fruits such as strawberry, cherry, gooseberry, and pomegranate in their ripest forms, which are framed by aromas of sweet spices, mainly cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. It has a light to medium body, with balanced cool acidity, relatively high alcohol, and soft, velvety tannins. In all its versions, it gives wines that are very delicate and round and in contact with the barrel acquire more marmalade aromas with notes of vanilla. At the same time, when aged it expresses itself through aromas of leather and chocolate. The sweet wine from Liatiko comes from sun-dried grapes and has a full body, sweet spoon dessert and dried fruit aromas, low alcohol levels, and medium level and very soft tannins. Liatiko is usually aged 6-8 years, except in the case of sweets, which exceed 10 years.

FOOD AND WINE PAIRING

Its dry red wines and their soft tannins pair well with red meats, such as veal fillet and brisket with mushroom sauce, and red fish such as tuna fillet with soya. Excellent pairing with pizza with cold meats, pasta such as lasagna with béchamel and prosciutto, as well as white meat stew. In its sweet version, the combination of milk chocolate desserts, dried fruits, and light blue cheeses is simply fabulous.

 Christina Tsogka