Why Pardon Loves It

The Dafnios Liatiko 2019 is the hidden gem of Crete, a red wine that epitomises the essence of the island's rich viticultural heritage.

The Liatiko grape is one of the oldest in Crete, having been cultivated since at least the 2nd century BCE. Once the pride of the island, Liatiko had declined in popularity until the foresight and dedication of Nikos Douloufakis, a third-generation vintner, sparked a remarkable revival. 

Nikos’s approach, a blend of tradition and innovation, involves meticulous cultivation techniques and a keen exploration of the Liatiko grape's potential, resulting in a wine that captures the unique terroir and the essence of Liatiko. Given the grape’s similarity to Nebbiolo, Nikos's having trained in Piemonte---the spiritual home of Nebbiolo---only adds to his command of this Cretan speciality. 

Dafnios Liatiko 2019 is not just a wine; it's an aromatic journey through Crete's landscape, a tale of resilience and passion bottled up for your savouring. With a lighter hue that belies its depth, this wine offers a symphony of fresh and dried red-fruit flavours, harmoniously intertwined with firm tannins and a subtle, well-integrated oak presence from 12 months of ageing in large casks. Its 13.5% alcohol content is perfectly poised to age gracefully.