Diamantopetra Red Syrah Mandilari 2020 is produced by Diamantakis Winery, a family run estate established in 2007 in Kato Asites, on the foothills of Mount Psiloritis near Heraklion in Crete, Greece. The Diamantakis family has a long tradition of viticulture with vineyards planted across terraces at 400–700m altitude in limestone rich soils that benefit from sea breezes and a Mediterranean climate. Their philosophy combines tradition with sustainable farming practices, manually tending vines to reflect Crete’s unique terroir, showcasing native Mandilari alongside international Syrah in a terroir shaped by dry summers and mild, humid winters.
The 2020 Diamantopetra Red is a blended wine of 70% Syrah and 30% Mandilari, each vinified separately before being aged for 12 months in a mix of American and French oak barrels to develop complexity and structure. Fermentation is temperature controlled to retain fresh fruit character, and extraction is managed to balance Syrah’s richness with Mandilari’s rustic tannins. The wine shows a deep ruby colour with aromas of ripe cherry, plum, blackberry, violet and spice, supported by rounded tannins and lively acidity. It pairs beautifully with grilled or roasted red meats, rich sauces, Cretan lamb such as antikristo, and well aged yellow cheeses, best enjoyed at 14–16°C for optimal expression.
