Wines Unspecified Idaia Winery - Ocean

Viniou Reviews

Idaia Winery’s "Cuvée Ocean" is a red, dry wine from the beautiful island of Crete, Greece. The precise grape blend is not specified, but Cretan red cuvées often feature native varieties such as Kotsifali, Mandilaria, or Liatiko, sometimes married with international grapes for balance and structure. Being a non-vintage wine, Cuvée Ocean is crafted to offer immediate pleasure with consistency from year to year, prioritising fruit expression and approachability. Vinification at Idaia Winery focuses on highlighting freshness and the vibrant, sun-kissed nature of local fruit, using modern techniques to preserve varietal character.

Crete is Greece’s largest island and possesses a long and storied viticultural history, dating back several millennia. The viticulture here benefits from a unique combination of hot Mediterranean climate, cooling sea breezes, and mountainous terrain. Limestone-rich and clay soils, combined with elevation, allow grapes to ripen fully while retaining natural acidity. Traditionally, this region has produced robust, aromatic wines with a core of ripe fruit and soft tannins, making them very accessible and food friendly. Crete’s winemaking renaissance, of which Idaia Winery is a prominent part, has seen a resurgence in interest for indigenous grapes, which thrive in these well-drained mineral soils and warm conditions.

For food pairings, Cuvée Ocean’s Mediterranean character makes it an ideal companion to a variety of Cretan and Greek dishes. Try it with moussaka, lamb souvlaki, or stifado (a slow-cooked beef stew with onions and spices); the wine’s ripe fruitiness and supple tannins will cut through the richness. It will also shine alongside grilled vegetables, hard sheep’s milk cheeses like graviera, or even a hearty pasta with tomato and aubergine.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this red at a slightly cool cellar temperature, around 16-18°C. Decanting for half an hour before serving can help open up the wine and showcase its aromatic profile. Such a wine is best enjoyed young, when the fruit is fresh and vibrant, ideally sharing it with good company around a generous Greek table.