2022 LIATIKO, Lyrarakis. Crete

Lyrarakis are located in the hillsides (at 440m) of east-central Crete, a little south and east of Heraklion.

In the words of UK agent Thorman Hunt:
“The Lyrarakis estate is a family vineyard and winery which has been producing high quality wines since 1966. Lyrarakis has devoted itself to the revival of indigenous, almost extinct, rare varieties such as Dafni, Plyto, Melissaki and others, vinifying wines that highlight their unique and distinctive character.
The well-preserved 14th-century stone-presses in the fields around the winery is proof of the area’s long history of grape-growing and winemaking.
In charge of winemaking, is Myriam Ambuzer who has been vital in securing Lyrarakis a place in the elite wineries of Greece. Her philosophy emphasises precision, purity and supple texture of the fruit. She argues it is all about expressing authenticity, achieving harmony and that every variety needs to be worked in its own special way.”

Exports are handled by Effie Kallnikidou, who gave a brilliant presentation to our staff in July 2022.

This could be some weird but wonderful native grape from southern Italy. Pale in colour, mysteriously perfumed, gentle at first but then fairly tannic on the finish. Great with food – particularly anything laden with aromatic herbs in authentic Mediterranean style.