more on Herakleion, Crete.

The new, Boutari Winery in Crete was completed in early 2004 and is one of the best-equipped, state of the art wineries in Europe. Visitors can enjoy a tour of the cellar, the production area, and the rest of the estate and they can enjoy the impressive multimedia show which has gained major awards at international competitions.

Location

The Boutari Winery in Crete is built outside Skalani village, on the Fantaxometocho Estate. It is located a few kilometers outside the centre of Heraklion city, close to the archaeological site of Knossos, and is the jewel of the viticultural VQPRD zone of Archanes. The planting of the southernmost privately-owned Boutari vineyards began in 1990.

References in bibliographies confirm the close relations of the region with viticulture and the production of wine in antiquity. It is worth noting that the discovery of the first grape press in the Vathypetro area, dates back to 1600 B.C.

Identity

The main objective of the Boutari company was to set the foundations for the further promotion of Cretan wine worldwide, through the production of high quality wines. In a region that was famous for its ecosystem and its tradition in viticulture, the company managed to enhance the potential of local varieties and made Cretan vineyards known to the broader public, through major distinctions.

At an altitude ranging between 170 and 215 metres, on a 7-hectare plot, the privately-owned Boutari vineyard is cultivated based on the principles of organic farming, hosting various Greek and –international varieties. The density of the planting is 3300 plants/hectare.

Thanks to the particularly well-studied choice of location, on the northern side of the hill, the vineyard is protected from the “livas”, the hot summer wind from the south, and benefits from the cool “meltemia” winds of the Cretan sea. The soil type is clay, limestone, with good drainage.

The vineyard includes the red varieties Kotsifali, Mantilari, Syrah and the white varieties Chardonnay, Malvasia Aromatica and Moschato Spinas, among others.

Tour

Visitors can enjoy a tour of the cellar, the production area, and the rest of the estate. Its impressive multimedia show has gained major awards at international competitions, and offers a unique journey back in time to the history of Crete. A visit to the wine-tasting hall is definitely worthwhile, to enjoy the wines of the Estate, including the experimental ones, accompanied by dishes of the renowned cuisine of Crete.

Please see HERE the official website of Boutari Fantaxometocho Estate.

Please click HERE for prices & retailers near you.

The Boutari Fantaxometocho wines tasted by GrapeRover:

2011 Boutari Kretikos white, PGI Crete. 82 points.

95% vilana, 5% blend of thrapsathiri, plyto, dafni.

Regional: Octopus salad. World: appetizers, sushi, grilled sardines, snails, roasted pork, ham salads, light cream cheeses.

Brilliant yellow-white. Medium viscosity. Nice aroma of fruit (peach, apricot, pineapple, mango).  Good balance, mild taste, pleasant acidity and medium finish. Acceptable quality for every day use. No highflyer.

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2010 Boutari Fantaxometocho, PGI Herakleion. 87 points.

60% chardonnay, 25% malvasia aromatica, 15% vilana.

6 – 7 months French oak, on lees.

Regional: Chicken Gioulbasi. World: grilled fat fish, smoked fish, roasted fowl, grilled octopus, fish salads, charcuterie, smoked pork.

Brilliant pale yellow. Medium viscosity. Eleganty aromatic,  reminiscent of lemon blossom, pineapple and notes of honey. On the palate vanilla elements, originating from its short stay in barrels. Full body, rich, well balanced, with a sufficient acidity and alcoholic content. Good lasting aftertaste.

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2009 Boutari Kritikos red, PGI Crete. 84 points.

60& kotsifali, 40% mandilaria.

12 months French oak.

Regional: Simit Kebab. World: spicy meatballs, meat pies, pastas, matured cheeses.

Vibrant red colour, pleasant aroma of sweet red fruit, like cherry and strawberry. Mild taste with soft tannins, good acidity, acceptable balance and aromatic finish.

 

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2007 Boutari Skalani. PGI Herakleion. 88 points.

50% kotsifali, 50% syrah.

12 months French oak.

Regional: Arni tou Ampelourgou.

Deep dark ruby. Medium+ viscosity. Rather powerful bouquet, dominated by aromas of red forest fruit, sweet ageing aromas, like cinnamon, clover, cocoa, matched harmoniously with the aromas of oak barrels and roasted nuts. Well structured, voluptuous, curious but tempting finish.

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2005 Boutari Iouliatiko, Greek tablewine. 87 points.

100% Liatiko, 10 days sundried.

36 months French oak.

Regional: Chocolate Baklava. World: Tropical fruit desserts, icecreams, chocolate, blue vein cheese.

Brilliant dark orange/purple. Dense viscosity. Complex bouquet revealing aromas of dried fruit, honey, coffee and cocoa. Medium+ structure. Luscious. Well balanced with fine acidity and rich sweetness. Good lingering finish.

 

 

 

 

 

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