Mavrotragano is a rare, emerging, and highly promising Greek red grape variety. It originates from the Cyclades, specifically from the island of Santorini, where it currently occupies about 2% of the total cultivated land. In the past, it was blended with other varieties during the production of Vinsanto, but in the late 1990s, efforts began to revive it with single-varietal, dry versions.
Today, it is cultivated in many other regions of the country, such as Tinos, Paros, Mykonos, Crete, Thessaly, Epanomi, and Halkidiki, and its high potential promises further migration and an increase in cultivated areas.
The name, derived from the words for black and crunchy, is confirmed by the variety's deep color and intense tannins. The plant requires plenty of sunlight for the aromatic and phenolic elements of its skin to ripen adequately. A characteristic of the variety is the uneven ripening even among grapes on the same bunch. Careful selection at the winery is necessary to avoid unwanted "herbaceous" notes and unripe, bitter tannins. It has a medium to late ripening period.
Mavrotragano boasts a rich palette of aromas, fruits, and spices, and as it ages, it develops characteristics of leather, coffee, dried fruits, and jam. It has moderate acidity, and the alcohol content can reach high levels. The body is typically rich, and the tannins are quite pronounced, requiring time and oxygen to soften, especially when derived from prolonged extraction with the skins. This is one reason why it is often aged in oak barrels for several months to years. Additionally, the wood enriches the aromatic profile and further enhances the structure of the wine on the palate, making it suitable for long aging.
The Mavrotragano variety produces some of the most gastronomic wines, which pair beautifully with aged yellow cheeses, Mediterranean dishes with red sauces, and certainly with red meats, whether stewed or grilled. It is not part of any PDO wine region, but it is permitted for the production of wines under the Protected Geographical Indication Cyclades.