Kotsifali is a red wine grape indigenous to the island of Crete.
The grape produces moderately red wine with high alcohol content and rich flavor.
It is often blended with Mandilaria, yielding a ruby-colored dry wine with a pleasant taste and aroma.
Flavors of Forest Berries, Red Berries, Spices and Minerals are typical for Kotsifali, with hints of Oak.
![]() Forest Berries |
![]() Strawberry |
![]() Sour Cherry |
![]() Pepper |
![]() Oak |
![]() Spices |
![]() Leather |
![]() Mineral |
Kotsifali is light in color and tannins but big on flavor and acid.
BODY: | Medium Plus |
TANNINS: | Low |
FRUIT: | Medium - High |
ACIDITY: | Medium - High |
ALCOHOL: | 13-14% ABV |
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Serving temperature: 16-17°C (61-63°F) |
Kotsifali is very food friendly, much like Pinot Noir. It can be paired with a wide variety of dishes, especially grilled or roasted white meat.
![]() Antipasti |
![]() Salami |
![]() Ham |
![]() Soups |
![]() Pasta |
![]() Mushroom |
![]() Risotto |
![]() Truffle |
![]() Pizza |
![]() Sandwitch |
![]() Hamburger |
![]() Chili |
![]() Goose |
![]() Duck |
![]() Rabbit |
![]() Pork |
Antipasti. Charcuterie.
Pasta. Sicilian Pesto.
Mushroom. Truffle.
Roasted Mushrooms. Mushroom Risotto.
Grilled or Roasted White Meat.
Poultry. Duck. Goose. Rabbit.
Grilled Pork. Ham. Bacon. Veal.
Salmon. Tuna. Swordfish.
Spices: Basil. Cilantro. Coriander. Mint.
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The Bordeaux Glass was designed for enjoying fuller-bodied, tannic red wines. They are taller than other red wine glasses, and has a slimmer bowl. The tall size allows the bouquet of the wine to develop, smooth out rough edges, play down tannins, and allow the wine to achieve balance. The slimmer bowl directs the wine to the back of your mouth for a maximum taste. |
Black Grapes |
White Grapes |
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Soil |
Climate |
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Fertile. |
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Hot. |
Crete is the largest Greek island. It has a long winemaking history, dating back thousands of years, with an array indigenous grapes:
Liatiko is used to make both dry and sweet red wines, often with a light to medium body and hints of dried fruit.
Kotsifali, often blended with Mandilaria, creates balanced, fruit-forward reds.
Vilana is the most important white grape of the island.
Vidiano is an emerging star. It produces high-quality wines with moderate acidity and complex aromas of peach, apricot, melon, herbs and honey.
Crete as 4 PDO regions created in 1971:
Dry Reds from Kotsifali and Mandilaria
Dry Reds from 100% Liatiko
Sweet Red from 100% sun-dried Liatiko
Sweet Red from 100% fortified Liatiko
Dry Reds from Kotsifali and Mandilaria
Dry Whites from 100% Vilana
Dry Reds from min 80% Liatiko and Mandilaria
Dry Whites: from 70% Vilana and 30 Thrapsathiri
Sweet Reds from 100% sun-dried Liatiko
Sweet Reds from 100% fortified Liatiko
Alcohol can be addictive. Always drink in moderation.
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