Mavrotragano Wines

Color: Red
Types of wines: Red, Dessert
Region: PGI Cyclades
Typical taste profile: Rich, tannic and aromatic

Description: Mavrotragano, a grape variety native to the island of Santorini, has recently surged in popularity. Although it has been cultivated for many years, it's only in the last two decades that winemakers have started to unlock its full potential following a number of the island's producers attempting to revive it with several new plantings. This newfound attention has led to its expansion beyond Santorini to other parts of Greece, including the island of Tinos and the northern mainland.

The name Mavrotragano in greek means 'black and crunchy', which aptly describes its texture. It's a deeply colored grape, producing wines that are rich in tannins and medium-to-high in acidity. The flavor profile is complex, featuring wild berries, red cherries, spices, and minerals. These wines are often compared to the northern Rhône Syrah for their full-bodied and powerful nature. One of the standout features of Mavrotragano wines is their aging potential with highly concentrated examples able to age gracefully for over a decade.

Growing Mavrotragano comes with its own set of challenges. The grape is mid to late-ripening and has low fertility, leading to inconsistent yields. Despite these hurdles, it's a vigorous variety and its unique viticultural needs, such as specific training methods and aeration during fermentation, are actively being studied to optimize its potential by a number of wine producers.

In conclusion, Mavrotragano is more than just a grape; it's a symbol of the evolving Greek wine culture. Its recent rise in popularity, coupled with its unique characteristics and challenges, makes it a grape variety worth watching that promises to evolve even further in the coming years.