Crete / Κρητη

Appellation (OPAP) on the island of Crete, off the coast of Greece, named after the coastal town of the same name in the east of the island. Archaeological finds indicate the region was inhabited since around 1050 BC. According to Diogenes Laertios (not the Diogenes who lived in a barrel), Sitia was the home of Myson, one of the seven wise men. It is the commercial centre of the region, which is mainly characterised by olive plantations. The red wine is a blend made from the indigenous varieties Liatiko (80%) and Mandilaria (20%), it is made in a dry as well as in several sweet versions. The white wine is dry, and is made from the indigenous variety Vilana (minimum of 70%) and Thrapsathiri.