2023 Lefkos Vidiano-Thrapsathiri, Iliana Malihin - Greece, Crete

Perched high in the hills of Rethymno on Crete, Lefkos is Iliana Malihin’s vibrant white blend of Vidiano and Thrapsathiri. Iliana set up her winery in 2019 in the village of Melambes (Melampes), seeking out old pre‑phylloxera vines—some 90‑140 years old—and working with 37 local growers under organic (and increasingly biodynamic) principles. Soils are a mix of clay and schist, vineyards sit between 560‑900 m altitude, helping maintain freshness, acidity and mineral expression.

The 2022 vintage (often used in reference to Lefkos) reveals ripe stone fruits (peach, apricot), a herbal/ botanic lift, a smoky reduction note, plus a tangy finish that balances fruit with brisk acidity. Texture is broad and lively, with lees contact helping “volume” in mouthfeel. 

Food pairing? Lefkos would dance beautifully with grilled fish (sea bream, sea bass), lighter poultry with herb rubs (thyme, oregano), soft goat cheeses, or even richer seafood (scallops in butter). For something more adventurous: lemon‑garlic prawns or a Cretan salad with tomato, feta, olives would really show it off. It’s a wine to savour over a few years but also delightful now.