Alexakis -- Kotsifali / Syrah

The Kotsifali grape, indigenous to Crete, originates from the word ‘kotsifi,’ named for the little blackbird that shows a particular preference for nibbling on these particular grapes.

While The Alexaki Winery is indeed the largest private winery in Crete, it remains a family business. Founded in the 1970s by Stelios and Sofia Alexakis, it is now continued by their children Lazaro & Apostolos.

Grape: Kotsifali 60% Syrah 40%

Region: Crete, Greece

Farming: Occasional drip irrigation, traditional Greek viticulture

Winery: Kotsifali aged 12 months new French oak / Syrah aged 12 months new American oak, then blended and bottled