2024 Paterianakis - Melissinos White (750ml)
From Crete’s storied terroir comes Melissinos White, a 750ml expression from Domaine Paterianakis—an organic, vine-to-bottle commitment led by a third-generation, female‑led family winery.
Melissinos White is a deliberate blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Thrapsathiri, harvested at opposite ends of Crete’s growing season to capture aromatic intensity and balanced freshness. Sauvignon Blanc is picked first in early August, while Thrapsathiri—an Indigenous variety renowned for its intense aromatics, high acidity, and low alcohol—joins the blend in late September. The wine’s name nods to the estate’s Bee Garden, reflecting a biodiversity‑forward approach to farming.
The vineyards are perched in the mountains and farmed organically, exposed to cooling northeastern winds that preserve brightness and structure in the fruit.
In the glass, Melissinos White presents as bright white-gold with green edges. The nose is intensely perfumed with apricot, green apple, pineapple, and lemon, signaling a fragrant, fruit-forward profile that carries onto the palate.
On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and harmonious—a wine built to age, with a poised balance that gains depth with time. It carries its structure confidently, and its quality has been recognized with a Silver Medal at the Decanter World Wine Awards.
Why it stands out: an organic, vine‑to‑bottle philosophy from a long‑standing Crete producer, a thoughtful blend of local and international varieties, and a wine that expresses both the mountain terroir and the region’s bright maritime character without chemical or synthetic intervention.
Pairing suggestions
- Grilled seafood (sea bass, shrimp, calamari) with lemon or herb garnishes
- Lemon‑herb chicken or pork, finished with olive oil and fresh herbs
- Softer, fresh cheeses such as goat cheese or sheep’s milk cheeses
- Pasta dishes tossed with olive oil, garlic, and citrus
- Mediterranean salads featuring bright herbs, citrus, and olive oil