Vingårdene: Greek variety Vidiano Heraklio, Crete Island.

Vidiano originates from the prefecture of Rethymno but now new plantings spread out, not only to Crete but in other regions of mainland Greece as well. The cultivation of Vidiano vines is pretty much work in progress, with producers facing a very steep learning curve. However, it seems that it is a variety that responds badly to high yields, producing grapes that lack structure. It would be interesting to see Vidiano grown in much cooler climates and/or higher altitudes, despite the fact that it is a late ripener.

Wines from Vidiano are leaning more towards a textural style, rather than exploding aromatics. On the nose there are aromas of stone fruits, flowers and, occasionally, sweet herbs. On the palate, Vidiano has a medium to high alcohol content, a creamy, mouth coating texture, balanced by the medium to high acidity. Although Vidiano always has a broad structure and the acidity is never piercing, its wines are never flabby.

Vidiano is clearly capable of appellation standard quality, but, given its recent ap- pearance, it appears only in the PDO Handakas Candia, as a minor blending partner. Most of the varietal examples are PGI Crete.