2025 Pateromichelakis "Ro" Romeiko Rose

Yiannis and Manos Pateromichelakis are twin winemakers from the Greek island of Crete who specialize in the now obscure but once well known romeiko grape. Romeiko used to account for 80% of the plantings in Crete but now hovers around 10-15%. It was often used to make "marouvas" which were wines made for personal consumption. The very ripe grapes were aged in large oak barrels for four years without being topped off which resulted in a bold, rustic sherry-like wine that was typically drunk at the end of a meal. In 2005, the brothers decided to revive and refine this humble variety in their hometown of Kissamos and now make several versions of "Ro" including dry and sweet reds, a blanc de noirs and this rosé. Romeiko is almost black at full ripeness but can also have green, pink and red grapes in the same bunch. Perhaps this variability accounts for the rusty hue of this rosé which you might mistake for an orange wine at first glance. Expect some cherry & pomegranate notes with a bit of baking spice and a nice, crisp finish. Try it with salmon or a greek salad with chicken, herbs, olives and feta.