Wines Chania Moinoterra - Reserve - 2022

Moinoterra’s Cuvée Reserve 2022 from Chania, on the island of Crete, draws on the region’s storied viticultural heritage. While the exact blend is not specified, Cretan reds often combine native varieties such as Kotsifali, Mandilaria or Liatiko with international grapes, resulting in a wine that potentially balances freshness, structure and expressive dark fruit character. The “Cuvée Reserve” designation suggests select parcels and careful ageing, likely resulting in greater complexity and integration of oak notes, alongside ripe plum, cherry, subtle spice, and a measured herbal background typical of the local terroir.

Chania, on Crete’s northwestern coast, enjoys a unique microclimate influenced by sea breezes from the Mediterranean and the island’s mountainous terrain. The vineyards benefit from generous sunshine, but the elevation and maritime winds moderate heat, preserving balancing acidity in the grapes. The soils are typically a complex mix of limestone, clay and stony components, which helps to imbue the wines with nuanced minerality and depth. With over 4,000 years of wine history, Crete retains numerous indigenous grape varieties, and recent decades have seen local producers place renewed emphasis on quality and originality.

In terms of food pairing, this Cretan red will pair beautifully with dishes that feature roasted or grilled lamb, a Greek classic such as kleftiko, or even the region’s succulent rabbit stifado. The wine’s structure and freshness will also complement Mediterranean stews rich in tomato and herbs, mature hard cheeses, or aubergine-based fare such as moussaka. For an authentic experience, try it with local cured meats or wild mushroom ragu, celebrating the flavours of Crete.

To enjoy Moinoterra Cuvée Reserve 2022 at its best, serve it slightly below room temperature, ideally between 16 and 18°C. Decanting for thirty minutes will help open up its aromatic profile and soften the tannins, making each glass a true reflection of Cretan winemaking tradition.