2024 Paros Farming Community - Seiradi Mandilaria (750ml)

Paros Farming Community is a nearly century-old cooperative uniting the growers of Paros, the Cycladic island just north of Santorini, and remains deeply woven into the social fabric of local agriculture. In recent years the cooperative has invested in modernizing its winemaking while staying rooted in tradition, focusing on the island's indigenous varieties, Monemvassia and Mandilaria, to create wines under the Seiradi label that reflect a fresh viticultural approach without abandoning the island's winemaking culture.

Mandilaria is a thick-skinned red variety traditionally trained low to the ground using the aplotaria system, a method that shields the vines from the strong winds that sweep across the Cyclades. Despite its tough skins, the grape often produces a lighter-bodied wine than one might expect. For this bottling, the grapes undergo a short cold soak before fermenting and aging entirely in stainless steel, an unoaked approach meant to preserve the variety's natural fruit character and the island's distinctive mineral, salty edge.

In the glass, the wine shows a bright cherry red hue with aromas of sour cherry, redcurrant, raspberry, and a touch of violet and dried herb. The palate is light-bodied yet concentrated, with crunchy acidity and a long, fresh finish. Serve it lightly chilled alongside grilled lamb chops, vegetable stews, or other traditional Greek dishes.