Diamantakis 'Prinos' Malvasia/ Chardonnay

Diamantakis 'Prinos' Malvasia/Chardonnay is the founding wine of the estate, first released when the winery opened in 2008 on the island of Crete. It is an equal blend of Malvasia di Candia Aromatica and Chardonnay, an unusual pairing that works because the two grapes complement each other in function: the Malvasia supplies aromatic lift and varietal personality, the Chardonnay supplies structure and weight. The wine is tank fermented at low temperature to preserve freshness and keep the profile fruit-forward rather than textural or age-worthy. Diamantakis operates in the highlands of central Crete, where the elevation and diurnal temperature swing allow grapes to ripen slowly while retaining acidity. The Malvasia di Candia Aromatica, a perfumed Italian variety that has found a second home in Greek island viticulture, contributes the floral and tropical aromatics that define the wine's nose. The Chardonnay, planted in the same vineyards, rounds out the mid-palate and keeps the blend from tipping into too-aromatic territory. The winemaking is straightforward and deliberate: cool fermentation in stainless steel, no oak, no malolactic conversion, bottled shortly after the vintage to preserve the primary fruit character. The color is pale yellow with faint green highlights. On the nose it is lively and expressive, with peach, green apple, pear and a tropical quality that catches you a little off guard in the best way. On the palate it is smooth and round with good acidity and an aromatic finish that lingers. It is not a serious or complicated wine and it does not try to be. It is generous, easy to drink and very versatile with food. Pair it with grilled white fish, lemon chicken, feta and tomato salad, or anything involving olive oil and fresh herbs. If you are new to Greek white wine and want something approachable before diving into Assyrtiko or Vidiano, this is a great place to start. Diamantakis 'Prinos' Malvasia/Chardonnay is available for pickup at our Lincoln Park bottle shop at 1128 W Armitage Ave, local Chicago delivery, or nationwide shipping.