This is another significant variety of Crete grapes in Greece. Thrapsathiri is emerging as one of the region’s most promising and exciting wines. Shadowed by the more popular Vilana, Thrapsathiri Wine was misunderstood and falsely considered a relative of Athiri.
Nonetheless, solely based on its attributes, Thrapsathiri now draws the attention of many critics. It is widely used to make first-rate dry and occasionally sweet, white wines.
Being highly resistant to drought, the Thrapsathiri vine is ideally suited to even the warmest spots of Crete. However, winegrowers must produce concentrated fruit to respond poorly to high yields.
Thrapsathiri wines are pale lemon-green. They have a moderately intense nose and are thoroughly dominated by primary fruit. Mainly melon and peach. They have a whole body on the palate, notable alcohol content, and soft acidity.
From Chania to the west and Lasithi to the east, Thrapsathiri vines are grown all over Crete. The most acclaimed lot of the wines come from the PDO Sitia area. It is where white wines are blends of Vilana and Thrapsathiri. But several producers of the island notwithstanding make single varietal wines of Thrapsathirι.
Thrapsathirι grapes are rich round but not too intense or heavy. The wine is an excellent option for matching rich food that is too intense and complex to go down matching wine down the path of conventional food.
Thrapsathirι is a perfect wine for relatively cold weather days as well. However, they have to be drunk within four years after the vintage. Nevertheless, some leading producers also make distinctive wines that can develop for over a decade.
More About Thrapsathiri
Thrapsathiri Vine is an ancient Greek grape variety originating from Crete. It was initially thought to be related to the Aegian island white variety Athiri. However, recent DNA evidence revealed that Thrapsathiri is not connected to Athiri. It is identical to the local grape Begleri of the Cyclades and also close to another grape variety Vidiano from Crete. Currently found in vineyards in the two eastern-most districts of Heraklion and Lassithi in Crete. It is also permitted in the southeast region of Lakonia in Peloponesse.
Thrapsathiri in the past formed blends with Vilana. This is another popular indigenous grape variety in Crete. However, Vilana is now increasingly vinified on its own. In some recent bottlings, Thrapsathiri nowadays is also found in partnership with Sauvignon Blanc since it can stand up very well to maturation and barrel fermentation.
The resulting wine from the mix is distinctive and aromatic. It is full-bodied with intense citrus and peach overtones. It is an exciting proposition for those looking for something new to discover.
The name Thrapsathiri is derived from the ancient Greek word “Thrapseros.” It means prolific and productive. And Athiri is a variety of grape widely planted throughout the Aegean region.
Heritage: A Prized Past
However, note-worthy that the dominant and high-productive white varieties of grapes in Crete are from the 12th – 18th centuries. They are identified by the umbrella term “Thrapsa.” These include the Athiri, Vilana, and the historic Malvasia di Candia. Which, along with Thrapsathiri, are some of the many components of the ancient Malvasia of Crete. Sweet wines from this region, in turn, were some of the most prized exports from the island during medieval times.
