Grapes: 50% Kotsifali, 50% Mandilari

Domaine Paterianakis is a pioneering estate on Crete, committed to organic viticulture and crafting wines that celebrate indigenous character and precise winemaking. “Melissokipos,” meaning “the beehive garden,” reflects the estate’s harmony with its environment — bees, herbs, and vines thriving together — and showcases Mediterranean intensity without losing freshness or clarity.

Hand-harvested fruit is sorted and co-fermented with native yeasts in stainless steel and concrete vessels to preserve purity and aromatic brightness. Maceration is moderate, pulling depth and color without harsh tannin extraction. After fermentation, the wine undergoes gentle aging in neutral vessels to maintain freshness and let the natural fruit and terroir qualities shine. 

The result is a fragrant and energetic red. On the nose, red cherry, wild herbs, and spice blend with hints of black olive tapenade and Mediterranean garrigue. The palate is medium-bodied with juicy red fruit, lively acidity, and fine, chalky tannins. Flavors of raspberry, dried herbs, and a touch of pepper lead to a lingering, herb-laced finish with saline undertones.