{"product_id":"iliana-malihin-thrapsathiri-2024","title":"Iliana Malihin Thrapsathiri 2024 Crete","description":"\u003cp\u003eIliana Malihin founded her winery in 2019 at just 26, in the village of Melampes in Crete's Rethymno region. Her focus is the revival of old, often ungrafted vineyards at altitude — between 600 and 900 metres — cultivating indigenous Cretan varieties including Vidiano, Thrapsathiri and Liatiko. The vineyards sit on steep terraces of schist, clay and quartz, farmed organically with dry cultivation, native yeasts, minimal sulphites and entirely manual work. Following a wildfire in 2022, Iliana has worked to restore the vineyards and protect the surrounding community's vine heritage. The winery is defined by its rare pre-phylloxera vines, dramatic terrain and a deeply revivalist, boutique natural wine ethos.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe 2024 Thrapsathiri captures the purity and resilience of one of Crete's most exciting indigenous white varieties. Sourced from hand-harvested, organically farmed vineyards around Melampes, the wine is made with minimal intervention. After extended skin contact, spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts precedes maturation on fine lees, with a portion aged in seasoned oak and further time in bottle. Bottled unfined, unfiltered and with minimal sulphur.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePale straw with golden reflections. The nose reveals ripe white peach, preserved lemon and pear, layered with chamomile, wild thyme and subtle blossom. The palate is beautifully textural — generous stone fruit and citrus balanced by a saline mineral edge and a gentle phenolic grip. Lees ageing lends a creamy, honeyed depth without sacrificing freshness. The long, savoury finish is marked by Mediterranean herbs and crushed stone, capturing the warmth and rugged beauty of the Rethymno highlands.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA natural partner for grilled seafood, charred octopus, whole baked fish, roast chicken with lemon and oregano, or creamy risotto with wild herbs. Its layered texture and vibrant acidity also complement aged goat's cheese, Cretan meze and vegetable-forward Mediterranean dishes. A truly versatile and ethereal expression of place.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"appellance","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50541764018369,"sku":null,"price":58.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0843\/3428\/0897\/files\/Iliana_Malihin_Thrapsathiri_2024_Crete.webp?v=1787962767","url":"https:\/\/appellance.com\/products\/iliana-malihin-thrapsathiri-2024","provider":"Appellance","version":"1.0","type":"link"}