PATEROMICHELAKIS
Crete, Greece
Hailing from some of Europe's most southerly vineyards on the isle of Crete, the Pateromichelakis twins Yiannis and Manos cultivate their family's ancestral twenty hectares of olive trees and five of grape vines. Here, in their hometown of Kissamos and the region of Chania (the far western side of the island), they enjoy cool breezes off the Aegean Sea to the north, a shield from hot African winds to the south in the form of the Lefka Ori mountain range, and rich clay-loam and schist soils. The house specialty is Romeiko, Crete's most historically significant variety, once responsible for up to 80% of the island's plantings.
As is traditional, the brothers Pateromichelakis produce both a red and a white Romeiko, both nicknamed "Ro." Despite the grape's deep black skins at full ripeness, they are able to coax surprising freshness from both hues - particularly striking when their relative latitude is considered. Bucking the trend on Crete, emphasis is placed on low yields, including the dropping of fruit where necessary. In their higher elevation 'Domata' vineyard (300m), they also grow some Assyrtiko, common on many Greek islands but much less so on Crete. All farming is done organically; harvest is executed manually. Winemaking is very simple and low-intervention, and minimal sulfur is added at bottling.
Wines
Pateromichelakis 'Ro' Blanc de Noirs
Pateromichelakis 'Ro' Romeiko Red
Pateromichelakis 'Avakas' Assyrtiko