At a glance

Producer

Douloufakis

Region

Crete, Greece

Grape variety

Liatiko

Wine type

Red

Body

Medium-bodied and Earthy

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$20-$30

Tasting profile

Red cherry, dried herbs, subtle spice, earthiness, with fresh acidity

Evolution: Will develop more savory and tertiary notes (leather, tobacco) after 5-7 years

At peak: Balanced fruit and earthiness with softened tannins and complex aromas at peak maturity

Structure

Acidity

Medium to high, lively

Tannins

Medium, fine-grained

Alcohol

13.5%

Aging potential

8-12 years from vintage

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2026 to 2029

Optimal window

2024 to 2030

Current status

Approaching early drinking window, youthful vibrant fruit

Current condition

Youthfully structured with fresh acidity and moderate tannins

The 2021 vintage of Douloufakis Dafnios Liatiko from Crete is a medium-bodied dry red with firm acidity and supple tannins, typical for Liatiko grape’s moderate structure. The wine benefits from cellaring to soften tannins and develop complexity. The drinking window reflects the grape’s aging capability, the vintage’s ripeness level, and producer reputation for quality winemaking.

Food pairing

Pairs well with Mediterranean dishes like grilled lamb, roasted vegetables, tomato sauces, and aged cheeses.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (30-45 minutes) — To allow medium tannins to soften and aromatics to open up

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 8/10

Dry farming practices, minimal intervention winemaking, use of native yeast fermentation, solar-powered winery operations

Douloufakis winery practices organic viticulture with dry farming to conserve water, employs renewable energy for winery operations, and uses sustainable packaging materials. The local consumption focus minimizes transportation emissions, contributing to an overall high sustainability rating in the Greek wine sector.