Lefkada the Ionian island brims with wine history Yet even insiders would have a hard time mustering a few sentences on todays scene Earlier visits remained ones of unrealised potential I was therefore excited to see changes in my return With over 300 indigenous varieties nature has been generous to the fragmented historic Greek vineyard Lefkada surprises with two grapes which are the specialty of this island the white Vardea and the darkskinned Vertzami
Nothing quite prepares you for the wild beauty of the southern part of the island An overcast earlyspring morning dense dark green olive groves Sunlight bursting through silver and white clouds casting giant shadows over a silvery Ionian sea A sense of wonder seizing this changeofseason moment
Driving past Nidri the island sailing hub one leaves behind the offseason resort melancholy As the twisting road climbs en route to Vassiliki one of the worlds great windsurfing spots one arrives at the Lefkaditiki Gi winery Its honeycoloured stone buildings would not have been out of place in southern Tuscany or Umbria To this traveller it is the most attractive recently built finished in 2008 wine address to date Mediterranean at its best Dimitris Robotis is a man of taste This goes beyond his architectural interests
Most of his wines are sold locally or exported With the current meltdown of the Greek economy he is clearly less exposed than if he had depended on national distributors going bust and leaving large unpaid bills Market sources say it will be even worse in 2012
Vardea is one of the most intriguing lesser seen highquality grapes The wine it produces is distinctly different from that other Ionianisland great white grape Robola from Cephalonia The success of this flourishing winery has spurred more acreage of the distinct Vardea now been planted in the sandyclay soils of the villages of Vassiliki Kontarena and Ayios Petros These initiatives are more than just news They are important steps in strengthening regional diversity and individuality in a market awash with metoo blends
Golden Floral Smells of grapes Orange peel Creamy texture lifted by minerality Tannic bite Honeyed opulent fruit lingers By far the most exciting discovery in ages A bright light for the future
Wine: Lefkaditiki Gi
Year: 2010
Link: http://www.lefkaditikigi.gr/
Score: 16.5
Type: White
Variety: Vardea
Area: Ionian Islands