About this WINE
Domaine Lyrarakis
Domaine Lyrarakis, established in 1966, is located in the mountainous commune of Alagni (440 metres above sea-level), south of the city of Heraklion, in Crete. The well-preserved 14th-century stone-presses in the fields around the winery are testament to the area’s long history of grape-growing and winemaking.
The winery is at the forefront of viticultural innovation, championing obscure local varieties such as the ancient white cultivars of Plytó, Dafni, and Vidiano, that it rescued from extinction.
The winery’s extensive portfolio consists of a range of monovarietal wines (Vidiano, Plytó, Mandilari, Assyrtiko, Vilana, Thrapsathiri, Kotsifali) – some from single, “premium” vineyard plots, as well as blends of indigenous and international varieties (such as Syrah, Cabernet and Merlot). Quality remains key and the style emphasises fruit precision, purity and supple texture – placing the wines firmly in the modern camp, yet without flamboyance or exaggeration.
Kotsifali
The viticultural bastion of Kotsifali red wine grape is the island of Crete. It is mainly grown in the Heraklion Prefecture and sporadically on the Cyclades islands. Kotsifali single varietal wines bear all the hallmarks of traditional “Southern Mediterranean” wines: low in colour, relatively high in alcohol, with smooth tannins and soft acidity. Kotsifali finds in the other major red grape variety of Crete, Mandilari (aka Mandilaria) the perfect complementary blending partner:
In addition to augmenting Kotsifali ‘s tannin content and tempering its alcoholic strength, Mandilari deepens the colour in wine blend and makes it more ageworthy. Crete’s major Appellations of Peza and Arhanes actually stipulate that Kotsifali should be blended with Mandilaria (typically on a 80/20 to 60/40 proportions)
Growers in Crete, locked for years into cooperative economies & practices, have been slow to explore the potential of low-yield farming. Those who moved on to apply modern vineyard practices have been rewarded with superior wines. Domaine Lyrarakis is one of the best exponents of the variety, blending it with Mandilari, and with Syrah in two different bottlings.
All showcase the great potential of the grape in both modern and traditional styles. Indeed the current wine-making style of Kotsifali emphasises streamlined, polished tannins and reflects the desire to yield, fruity, forward-drinking , graceful and subtle wines.
For anyone wanting to get to grips with the soul of red wine in Crete, Kotsifali is the prime example.
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Description
Okto Red was amongst those handful of wines that constituted the first stirrings of our Greek wine list, and is as relevant to our range now as it was then. Located in the Alagni area of east-central Crete, and situated at 500m elevation on clay/loam soils, this wine is reinforced and freshened by 50% Kotsifali and 20% Mandilari, whilst 30% Syrah adds flesh and complexity to the native blend. Lyrarakis continue to lead the way in the culture of rare and endangered native Cretan varieties, and Okto gives an insight into the wonderful quality of what that island can conjure. Infact it stands shoulder to shoulder with more expensive Hellenic reds, but at a fraction of the price. This autumn and winter you will be enticed by its accessible blueberry fruit, plush tannins, aromatic herbal quality and spicy complexity. An excellent partner to grilled meat, game and mature hard cheeses, and looking very smart in its new livery and bottle.
Demetri Walters MW - Hellenic Wine Specialist
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