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As we wind northward into the island’s central hills, we arrive in the heart of Cretan winemaking — around the bustling city of Heraklion. This region is home to PDO Peza and PDO Archanes, where vineyards sit at 300–500 meters above sea level and benefit from mountain breezes.

Here, the red grape Kotsifali thrives. It’s soft, savory, and full of red fruit — often blended with the bold, tannic Mandilari to create balanced and age-worthy wines. This is classic Cretan red territory, with traditions running deep and family vineyards stretching back generations.

White grapes shine here, too. Vilana, Crete’s most planted white, produces light, floral wines perfect for summer. But the grape that’s making waves is Vidiano, a variety once nearly extinct. Now cultivated with care in the hills above Heraklion and Rethymno, Vidiano offers stone fruits, citrus blossoms, and that magical mix of elegance and depth. It’s the darling of Crete’s wine revival — think Viognier with wild Cretan energy.

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Fun Fact: Vidiano was rediscovered in the 1990s from a handful of vines in a remote village. Today, it's widely considered Crete’s flagship white.

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Over the past few decades, winemakers here also experimented with international grapes like Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay — partly to appeal to tourists and international markets. Syrah, in particular, adapted surprisingly well, often adding depth to blends. But despite the flirtation, Crete has remained loyal to its roots: indigenous grapes still make up the vast majority of plantings, with international varieties representing just around 11% of Greek vineyards overall. On Crete, that number is even lower. Native varieties like Vidiano, Liatiko, and Kotsifali are the real stars of the show — not just for their uniqueness, but because they express the island’s terroir like nothing else can.

Continuing east toward the PDO Sitia zone, we reach the mountainous region near the town of Sitia in Lasithi. The terrain here is tougher, with limestone soils and cooler nights — ideal for the ancient red grape Liatiko. Despite its pale color, Liatiko is full of flavor: dried cherry, spice, and earthy warmth. It’s used in both dry reds and sun-dried dessert wines — a nod to Crete’s ancient Minoan winemaking techniques.

This part of the island also nurtures Thrapsathiri, a fuller-bodied white with soft texture and tropical fruit. Some winemakers age it in oak or experiment with skin contact — it’s a white with real personality.

East and central Crete are also where forgotten varieties are making a comeback. Dafni, named after the Greek word for laurel, smells distinctly of bay leaf and Mediterranean herbs. Plyto, once down to just a few vines, delivers crisp, mineral-driven wines with green apple notes — a dream for fans of lean, elegant whites.

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Fun Fact: Ancient Cretans used pine resin to seal amphorae — giving birth to retsina, Greece’s iconic (and famously divisive) pine-flavored wine.

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Our journey ends in the far west, near the picturesque harbor city of Chania. This is the stronghold of Romeiko, a grape as unruly as the weather in the nearby White Mountains. High in sugar but low in color, Romeiko is used for rosés, sparkling wines, and the unique Marouvas — an oxidative, barrel-aged style reminiscent of Madeira. It’s rustic, it’s historical, and it’s unlike anything else in Greece.

Today, Crete’s wine scene is buzzing with energy. Young winemakers are reviving traditional grapes, embracing organic and natural methods, and redefining what Cretan wine can be. The island’s four official PDO zones — Peza, Archanes, Dafnes, and Sitia — reflect Crete’s regional identity, while PGI Crete allows room for experimentation and creativity.

So whether you're sipping a crisp Plyto in a seaside taverna, or swirling a glass of Liatiko in a cool mountain cellar, you’re tasting more than just wine. You’re drinking history, innovation, and the soul of an island. Yamas! 

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For a story like this, we need a wine that’s just as nuanced—a dry Rosé crafted from the classic Southern Rhône blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre. This blend together bright red fruit, delicate floral hints, a whisper of spice, and a crisp finish. It’s fresh and elegant but has enough depth to keep you intrigued, sip after sip — just like Evelyn.

Tasting Notes

Aromas: Ripe strawberries, rose petals, and a subtle peppery spice

Acidity: Crisp and refreshing, keeping the palate lively

Body: Medium-bodied, with a smooth yet complex structure

The Perfect Pairing

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Reading The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo while sipping this Rosé is a journey through glamour and grit, passion and power. The wine’s layered flavors echo the twists and turns of Evelyn’s life — a perfect companion to the highs and heartbreaks that fill the pages.

Pair it with:

• Fresh berries or stone fruits

• Soft cheeses like goat cheese or brie

• Light Mediterranean bites with herbs and olives

Or simply pour a glass and let the story and wine take center stage (guilty as charged: that's what I did!)

Final Thoughts: Why This Pairing Works

Readers praised the book for its “rich character development” and “poignant exploration of human emotions and relationships”. Ultimately, the novel’s brilliance lies in its layered storytelling — revealing more with each turn of the page.That mirrors our Rhône Rosé blend: not a one-note experience, but a wine that evolves in the glass, showing notes of red fruit, peppery spice, floral grace, and mineral undertones. Every sip invites you to reconsider, reflect, and discover something new — just like Evelyn’s story.  

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Grown in Portugal’s Vinho Verde region, Alvarinho thrives in the Atlantic climate, producing fresh, zesty wines bursting with citrus, peach, and tropical notes. High acidity = instant refreshment. Plus, these tiny, thick-skinned grapes pack a serious flavor punch!

Alvarinho vs. Albariño: Same but Different?

Both names refer to the same grape, but Portuguese Alvarinho tends to be richer and more textured—like the same song played in two unique styles. 😉

Perfect Pairings 🍽️

Seafood: Grilled octopus, bacalhau, or clams—Alvarinho loves anything from the ocean.

Cheese: Creamy Portuguese cheeses = match made in heaven.

Sushi: Yes, please! The acidity cuts through rich flavors beautifully.

Where to sip Alvarinho in Lisbon

Garrafeira Nacional – A paradise for wine lovers.

By The Wine – Cozy tastings in the city center.

Sommelier Lisbon – Great food, even better pairings.

Fun Alvarinho Facts 🍷

🔸 Nicknamed the “Champagne” of Vinho Verde—some even get oak aging!

🔸 Monastic roots? Some say Cistercian monks brought it to Portugal in the 12th century.

🔸 Tiny but mighty—small grapes, intense flavor.

Next time you’re picking a white wine, skip the usual and grab Alvarinho—you won’t regret it! Because when life gives you Alvarinho? Just smile!

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Grüner Veltliner!

Why? This Austria’s signature white grape, is known for its crisp acidity, vibrant citrus notes, and that unmistakable hint of white pepper. Much like Untamed, it refuses to fit neatly into a box—it’s zesty, full of character, and always keeps you on your toes. Think of it as the rebel of the wine world, just like Glennon encourages us to be.

Tasting Notes: A Wine That Speaks Its Truth

Aromas: Green apple, lime, and a touch of herbal spice—fresh, bold, and unapologetic.

Acidity: Bright and mouthwatering, mirroring the book’s electric call to wake up and live freely.

Body: Medium-bodied but packs a punch, much like Doyle’s fierce storytelling.

Pairing Grüner Veltliner with Untamed

This book is all about embracing your wild, untamed self, and Grüner is the kind of wine that challenges you to do the same. It’s not a predictable, safe choice—it’s a wine with a bit of bite, a bit of sass, and a whole lot of personality. Sip it while you highlight your favorite passages or pause to reflect on Glennon’s powerful words.

What to Eat While You Sip?

Spicy foods – Grüner’s acidity and peppery kick make it perfect for Thai, Vietnamese, or even a spicy margarita pizza.

Fresh greens & herbs – It complements dishes loaded with basil, cilantro, and arugula, because who says wine can’t be wild and refreshing?

Goat cheese – Creamy and tangy, it balances Grüner’s zippiness beautifully.

Final Thoughts: Why This Pairing Works

Both Untamed and Grüner Veltliner challenge the status quo. They’re about waking up, feeling alive, and embracing the unexpected. So next time you pour a glass, let it be a toast to stepping outside the lines—because, as Glennon reminds us, we were never meant to stay inside them anyway. 

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