Grape Variety
Mavrodaphne
"mah-vroh-DAHF-nee"
Wine Styles
Sparkling
Light White
Full White
Aromatic
Rosé
Light Red
Medium Red
Full Red
DessertAbout Mavrodaphne
Origin
Peloponnese, Greece
History
Mavrodaphne, meaning 'black laurel' in Greek, is a dark-skinned grape variety indigenous to the Achaea region in Northern Peloponnese, Greece. It is traditionally used to produce sweet, fortified wines, notably Mavrodaphne of Patras, first developed by Gustav Clauss around 1850. The grape is also cultivated on the Ionian Islands, particularly Cephalonia, where it is used to produce both sweet and dry wines.
Appearance
Small to medium-sized, thick-skinned berries with a deep blue-black hue when ripe.
Growing Traits
Mavrodaphne is a vigorous vine that thrives in the warm, Mediterranean climate of Western Greece. It is often blended with other varieties, such as Mavri Korinthiaki, to enhance its characteristics. The grape is known for its deep color and complex aromatic profile, which becomes even more intricate with aging.
Wine Characteristics
Body
3/5
Sweetness
4/5
Tannin
3/5
Acidity
3/5
Alcohol
4/5
Medium to full-bodied with a rich and opulent texture, offering both freshness and complexity. Typically vinified as a sweet, fortified wine, though dry versions are also produced. Moderate tannin levels, contributing to a smooth and balanced mouthfeel. Medium acidity, providing balance and enhancing its aging potential. Moderate to high alcohol content, generally around 15-18%, contributing to its richness.
Taste Profile
Dried fruits
Nuts
Spices
Chocolate
Caramel
Mavrodaphne wines are characterized by deep, ruby-red color and a complex flavor profile that includes notes of dried fruits, nuts, and spices. On the palate, they are rich and velvety, with flavors of chocolate and caramel, balanced by moderate acidity and smooth tannins.
Food Pairing
Mavrodaphne's rich sweetness and complex flavors make it an excellent match for desserts, particularly those featuring chocolate, dried fruits, or nuts. It also pairs well with strong cheeses and can be enjoyed as an aperitif or digestif.
Growing Regions
Greece
AchaeaIliaCephalonia
Notable Wines & Producers
Mavrodaphne of Patras
Achaia Clauss
Cavino
Mavrodaphne of Cephalonia
Gentilini Winery
Sclavos Wines
Mavrodaphne FAQ
Common questions about this grape variety
What is the origin of Mavrodaphne?
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Peloponnese, Greece
Is Mavrodaphne wine full bodied?
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Mavrodaphne has a body level of 3 out of 5. Which means that Mavrodaphne is Moderate bodied.
Is Mavrodaphne wine dry or sweet?
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Mavrodaphne has a dryness level of 4 out of 5. Which means that Mavrodaphne is Sweet.
Where is Mavrodaphne wine from?
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Peloponnese, Greece
Where is Mavrodaphne grown?
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Mavrodaphne is grown in Greece (Achaea, Ilia, Cephalonia).
What is Mavrodaphne like?
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Mavrodaphne wines are characterized by deep, ruby-red color and a complex flavor profile that includes notes of dried fruits, nuts, and spices. On the palate, they are rich and velvety, with flavors of chocolate and caramel, balanced by moderate acidity and smooth tannins.
What does Mavrodaphne pair with?
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Mavrodaphne's rich sweetness and complex flavors make it an excellent match for desserts, particularly those featuring chocolate, dried fruits, or nuts. It also pairs well with strong cheeses and can be enjoyed as an aperitif or digestif.
What does Mavrodaphne taste like?
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Mavrodaphne wines are characterized by deep, ruby-red color and a complex flavor profile that includes notes of dried fruits, nuts, and spices. On the palate, they are rich and velvety, with flavors of chocolate and caramel, balanced by moderate acidity and smooth tannins.
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