2019 LIASTOS, Lyrarakis. Crete (Half Bottle)

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

A blend of local varieties – Vidiano, Plyto, Dafni, Assyrtiko, Thrapsathiri and Vilana. Sun-dried after picking for one week before a slow fermentation and then a year’s maturation in French oak.

Lyrarakis Estate is a family-owned business, started in 1966. It single-handedly ‘saved’ three indigenous grape varieties (Dafni, Plyto and Melissaki) and also produces other native Greek examples like this and Assyrtiko, the best known of them. They consider Vididano the ‘queen’ of the local varieties, hence the modern interpretation of an iconic queen on the label.
Winemaker is Myriam Ambuzer and exports are handled by Effie Kallnikidou, who gave a brilliant presentation to our staff in July 2022.

Only medium-sweet, with a bitter orange marmalade tang. Great with not-too-sweet puddings, particularly anything with citrus.