Vidiano

The up-and-coming white wine grape variety of Vidiano is grown in small scale on the island of Crete, esp. around the area of Rethymnon. While there is still a limited vineyard acreage, producers agree on its tremendous quality potential and there is a drive to expand production & plantings to meet the increasing demand in Greece. Vidiano grape is typically vinified on its own (rarely aged in oak), but  it also lends itself well for blending with other indigenous white varieties, like Vilana.  At its best, it yields wines of striking vibrancy with complex, well-knit layers of cleansing minerality, ripe peach and apricot notes, and fresh herbs, wrapped in a firm structure. The style of Vidiano can be rich but never overripe or alcoholic. The true potential of the grape tends to unfold when planted in cooler high altitude vineyards .  It is a wine that develops its personality beautifully when paired with seafood pasta or charcoal grilled fishes. Although the true ageing ability of Vidiano is open to experimentation, producers believe that it has potential to age for at least five years.