Douloufakis Dafnios Vidiano 2018

Born on the beautiful Greek island of Crete, home to the ancient Minoan civilization and some of the finest food and wine in modern Greece, the 2018 Douloufakis Dafnios Vidiano brightens the glass with a splash of sunshine and caresses the senses with apricot and tropical fruit aromas. In the mouth, creamy tropical fruit and mineral flavors provide palate pleasing pleasure and a salty fresh finish that conjures images of the deep blue Aegean Sea that cradles Crete. The 2018 Douloufakis Dafnios Vidiano is so delightfully balanced, beautiful, and easy to drink from start to finish, one can almost experience Crete, the island’s fun loving people, and their lust for all that is good in life. Enjoy the delicious, easy-going 2018 Dafnios Vidiano moderately chilled (40°-45° F).

Our tasting panel took a page from the hospitable inhabitants of Crete and enjoyed the 2018 Douloufakis Dafnios Vidiano as a refreshing palate pleasing aperitif as well as a welcome partner to copious quantities of Greek specialties and international fare. Dolmades (Stuffed Grape Leaves), grilled octopus, and sautéed calamari all make excellent first course accompaniments to Douloufakis’ 2018 Dafnios Vidiano. Grilled fish, vegetable and shellfish tempuras, and poultry dishes make splendid partners, too. Stir fries and creamy pasta dishes also make for good companionship. This easy drinking Vidiano also pairs well with spicy bean and lentil dishes. Consider pairing it with an assortment of fine cow, sheep, or goat’s milk cheeses, but lest we forget: It’s equally delicious all on its own. Kalí óreksi!

Since its inception in 1930, Domaine Douloufakis has been known for its superbly crafted traditional wines. Dimitris Douloufakis took possession of the property in 1930 and was one of the first winemakers in Crete to fashion high quality, professionally made wines from Crete’s traditional grape varieties. Still privately owned and a family affair, Dimitris’ grandson Nikolas now carries on the family tradition, fashioning an expanding array of outstanding wines from both heirloom Cretan varietals and international favorites. All of Domaine Douloufakis’ 70 acres of hillside vineyards around the village of Dafnes are privately owned and 100% certified organic. Dafnios, the name used for the estate’s traditional Vidiano and Liatiko wines, is derived from Dafnes, the Douloufakis family’s hometown and an official protected area for Vidiano. Nikolas, like his grandfather, specializes in making wines from Crete’s traditional varietals, which include Liatiko, Kotsifali, Vilana, and Vidiano. International varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Syrah have also found a home at Domaine Douloufakis.

Vidiano is an ancient white grape variety indigenous to the island of Crete. It was nearly extinct until a decade ago when top Cretan wine producers began an island-wide campaign to preserve the heirloom Cretan grape variety. Known for its golden sun-splashed color, exceptional texture, and exotic delicate flavors, Vidiano is a high quality grape that thrives at high altitudes despite its reputation as a late ripening varietal. Vidiano is now also being cultivated on the Greek mainland.