The Vilana
Grape
A white grape variety indigenous to Crete, Greece, producing fresh, aromatic wines with moderate acidity, characterized by citrus and herbal flavors, often consumed young to enjoy their vibrant character.
Vilana
Grape History
Vilana is a white wine grape variety that is native to the island of Crete in Greece. It is widely planted throughout the island and has been cultivated for centuries. The history of Vilana traces back to ancient times when Crete was part of the Minoan civilization, which is considered one of the oldest wine-producing cultures in the world. The Minoans were known for their sophisticated winemaking techniques, and it is believed that Vilana may have been one of the grape varieties they cultivated.
Vilana is well-adapted to the hot and dry climate of Crete, making it a resilient grape variety that thrives in the challenging conditions of the island. It is known for producing wines that are crisp, aromatic, and refreshing, with flavors of citrus, pear, and herbs. Vilana is often used to make light and easy-drinking white wines that are perfect for enjoying on a warm summer day.
In addition to its traditional use in making still white wines, Vilana is also being used in the production of sparkling wines and sweet wines. Some winemakers are experimenting with different winemaking techniques, such as skin contact and aging in oak barrels, to bring out the full potential of Vilana and create more complex and nuanced wines.
Vilana is primarily grown in Crete, where it is one of the main white grape varieties cultivated on the island. It is also found in other wine regions of Greece, such as Rhodes and the Cyclades islands. The grape is known for its ability to retain its acidity in hot climates, making it a valuable asset for winemakers in regions with high temperatures.
While Vilana may not be as well-known as some other grape varieties, it is gaining recognition among wine enthusiasts for its quality and unique characteristics. As interest in indigenous grape varieties and lesser-known wine regions continues to grow, Vilana has the potential to become more widely appreciated on the international wine scene.
In conclusion, Vilana is a historic and versatile grape variety with a bright future ahead. With its rich history, adaptability to challenging growing conditions, and potential for producing high-quality wines, Vilana is a grape variety to watch in the world of wine.
Introduction
Hello, my name is Franklin Laurel - Welcome!
I started drinking wine in 1992 when I was in my early twenties and recently married. Like many other young Southern Californians, it started out with White Zinfandel. As we were a couple of young DINKs just beginning life together, and on a budget, our go-to-wine was Sutter Home White Zinfandel, which tasted a lot like wine coolers and probably cost at the time $2.49. If we really were going to splurge, we would step it up and buy Beringer White Zinfandel for $2.99. Those were the days....
After a little time, we decided to get fancy. We stepped up our game and bought some wonderful 2-Buck Chuck from Trader Joe's. The Charles Shaw (Trader Joe's Exclusive Label) wine, also known as 2-Buck-Chuck extended our pallet into Reds for only $1.99 a bottle. Over the years we continued to grow in our understanding of wine (finally ran into some good wine) and we slowly kept buying better and better bottles.
Our first wine club purchase was from Kenwood's Vineyards, in Kenwood, California located in Sonoma Valley, right next to the famous Napa Valley. I began to learn about tobacco leather, and earthiness, and lots of other strange terminology when tasting their signature Zinfandels (of the red variety). So that is how it all began.
Fast forward a couple decades, and we have been members of five different wine clubs, and now have a passion for California's red wines. My favorite by far is Cabernet Sauvignon, while my wife fancies a good Syrah, Malbec, or Merlot - but she also loves the smell of a wine barrel room, which is all about the notes of Cabernet Sauvignon.
As I come across great wine resources and useful information that I find in planning my own wine trips, I will share here for anyone that might stumble across my humble website.
Cheers! - Franklin Laurel