Manousakis Winery MRS Dry Red Romeiko/Syrah (Crete, GR)
Manousakis Winery MRS Dry Red Romeiko/Syrah (Crete, GR)
Tasting Notes:
Savoury and expressive with notes of red berries, dried herbs and subtle spice. Medium-bodied with soft tannins and a slightly rustic, textured finish.
Similar To:
Think a Sangiovese with a touch of Syrah — savoury, earthy and food-driven.
Pair With:
Grilled meats, lamb, Mediterranean dishes, mezze
About the Wine:
A blend of Romeiko, a traditional Cretan varietal, with Syrah, combining rustic character with structure and spice.
Why We Love It:
Different, authentic and full of character — a wine that tells a story.
This is a wine with personality — slightly rustic, deeply expressive and full of character, offering a true taste of Crete with a modern edge.
At a Glance
Style: Medium-bodied, savoury, slightly rustic red
Varietal(s): Romeiko / Syrah
Region: Crete, Greece
Best For: Shared meals, something different, food-driven wines
Serve: Slightly below room temperature
Tasting Notes
Red berries and dried herbs lead the aromatics, with subtle spice from the Syrah. The palate is savoury and textured, with soft tannins and a slightly rustic, food-friendly finish.
What It’s Similar To
Think: Sangiovese with a touch of Syrah — savoury, earthy and structured for food.
About the Varietals
Romeiko is a traditional Cretan grape known for its rustic, earthy character and lighter tannins. Syrah adds structure, depth and spice, creating a wine that balances tradition with a more modern expression.
About the Region — Crete
Crete’s diverse landscape and long winemaking history produce wines that are both expressive and grounded in tradition. Indigenous varietals like Romeiko reflect the island’s heritage.
Food Pairing
Pair with:
Grilled meats
Lamb
Mediterranean dishes
Mezze and shared plates
At Elaia, this is perfect for a table that enjoys something a little different.
How It Compares
Compared to smoother reds like Merlot blends, this is more savoury and rustic. Compared to Syrah, it is lighter and more textured, with a distinct traditional edge.
Producer Story
Manousakis Winery is known for its organic approach and focus on producing wines that reflect both the terroir of Crete and a modern interpretation of traditional varietals.
Why We Love It
We love this for its authenticity — it’s a wine with character, depth and a real sense of place.
If You Like This, Try...
If you like this, try Limnio for another savoury, structured style
For something smoother, try Grenache or Merlot blends
From the Elaia Table
Occasion: Shared meals, adventurous drinkers, relaxed dinners
Serving tip: Let it breathe slightly before drinking
Interesting note: Romeiko is one of Crete’s oldest varietals, rarely seen outside the island