Diamantakis – Crete

Although production on the island of Crete centres around olive oil, it is slowly retuning back to its roots of wine production. One of these wineries turning back the tide is the family run estate of Diamantakis, founded in 2007 by Nikolaos G. Diamantakis and his sons Ioannis, Michalis and Zacharias. The first two are third-generation vine-growers who have extensive experience in viticulture and are in charge of the winery’s vineyards whereas Zacharias, having studied oenology, is involved in the process of winemaking and promoting the wine. The region has a long history in vine cultivation and the production of wines and spirits. The love and passion of the Diamantakis family is for high quality wine, their long tradition in viticulture being the motivation to create a small winery in the area. Working predominantly with indigenous varieties like Vidiano, Mandilaria, Liatiko, Malvasia di Candia as well as Assyrtiko and Syrah, they strongly believe in the potential and ability of the local varieties to give exceptional wines.

The Prinos White is a bright yellow colour with greenish hints. The aromatic bouquet being fruity and intense with prominent aromas of peach, pineapple, banana and lemon blossom. In the mouth, balanced acidity and after-taste is long. The Vidiano has a youthful appearance with a green tinge and a pale straw colour. A fresh nose with hints of grapes, white fleshed fruit such as, quince, pear, citrus and fresh almond with wonderfully rich and expressive character likened to Viogner. Excellent acidity, velvety texture and noticeable after-taste. The Diamenoptera White sees 80% French Oak for 3 months and 20% American Oak for 3 months, 50% of the oak being new. It shows pineapple, apricot and chamomile which combine harmoniously with vanilla, nuts and oak. The Prinos Red is a versatile, food friendly Syrah black with pepper and blackberries followed by scents of violet, typical of the variety. The Diamenoptera Red is a blend of 70% Syrah and 30% Mandilaria, seeing 80% French Oak for 12 months and 20% American Oak for 12 months, 50% of the oak being new. The Petali Liatiko is 100% Liatiko and offers aromas of red and black fruits like strawberry, blackberry, plum, followed by scents of cinnamon and clove spice.