Kotsifali is considered as the most important red variety of the Cretan vineyard. It is mainly cultivated in central Crete and, occasionally, in the Cyclades. The main wine-growing areas of Kotsifali and Mantilari are: PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) Archanes, PDO Peza and PDO Chandakas Candia zone.

The color of the grape is black and this is probably the reason for its name, since it resembles the black colored blackberry or, according to another version, the blackberry shows special preference for grapes of this variety.

During the replanting process which took place because of the invasion of phylloxera in the 1970s, the cultivated areas significantly increased (today they are about 14,000.000 sq.m). Kotsifali (together with Mantilari) is the typical representative of the OPAP (Appellation of Origin of Superior Quality) wines of Heraklion Prefecture, with a characteristic aroma which it acquires after its fermentation and especially by its aging in a barrel.

It is a dynamic, productive, mid-early variety, resistant to drought and the wind, which makes good use of poor soils. It begins to ripen during the third ten-day period of July with full ripening during the third ten-day period of August – first ten-day period of September. The grape is medium, conical or cylindrical with dense, equal-sized, but sometimes dissimilarly colored grapes (sometimes they are green). The grape is small to medium size, almost ellipsoidal, with skin of medium thickness and flesh that is soft, colorless, sweet, with a characteristic flavor.