Semissis
Α blend white wine from two indigenous varieties (Malvasia di Candia Aromatica and Vilana), harmoniously blended with hints of jasmine and ripe, fleshy peach, leaving a balanced long-lasting aftertaste.
The name’s choice is symbolic. Semissis was one of the first gold coins of the Byzantine period and had a particularly high value. Two Semissis were equivalent to the traditional gold coin, much like two excellent Cretan varieties are equivalent to this special wine.
The Malvasia di Candia Aromatica grape, as well as the Vilana grape, grows in privately owned, semi-mountainous vineyards at 360m altitude in the wider wine area of Pezá, of which many wines bear the PDO indication. It is distinguished for its particular resistance to drought and diseases. Malvasia di Candia Aromatica, a variety of intense and fruity character, is marked by early budburst, resulting in mid-season ripening, and it offers fine quality wines. Its blending with Vilana, the undisputed ‘queen’ white variety of the Cretan vineyard – a variety of moderate intensity and acidity, creates a fresh and balanced wine with a well-formed nose and palate.
Special thanks to our dear friend Manolis Apostolakis for the curation of the Semissis label.