2013 Domaine Lyrarakis, Mistirio, Dafni, Crete

2013 Domaine Lyrarakis, Mistirio, Dafni, Crete

Product: 25998
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2013 Domaine Lyrarakis, Mistirio, Dafni, Crete

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Description

An innovative way to introduce an unknown grape variety. By itself, the Dafni grape variety would sell few bottles, so the Mistirio (mysterious) name is to intrigue. Indigenous to Crete and rescued from extinction by local wine hero Bart Lyrarakis, the wine is best drunk quite young, but can also develop in bottle. 

The wine displays a fascinating and unique profile; notes of bay leaf and unusual botanicals, from juniper to eucalyptus, and a remarkable line of spearmint (really!). Quite rich but dry in the mouth, and the early impressions above evolve to more tangy and citrus notes. Drink now to end 2016.
Mark Pardoe MW, Wine Director


Domaine Lyrarakis’ Dafni showcases one of the region’s most ancient, indigenous varieties. With this wine you will enter a world of hand-crafted, artisan wines of the very highest level. The Dafni grape variety is actually one of Crete’s best kept secrets. It is still very rare, and obscure, and it was first brought back from extinction in the 1980s thanks to the efforts of the aforementioned domaine. 
The grape profile comprises layers of complex botanical flavours ( juniper to eucalyptus, spearmint) underlined by refreshing, cleansing acidity.
Eva Polaki - Greek Wine Specialist

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Critics reviews

Other88
From one of my favourite Cretian producers (reviewed in-depth in 2012) this is a subtle but absolutely ravishing little wine that perfectly sums up the Lyrarakis family's obsession with celebrating local varieties, in this case the grape 'Dafni'. Pure and gentle on the nose there are delicate aromas of bay leaf and blossom, a subtle grapefruit peel note and hints of mint and sherbet. In the mouth it is bone dry, but it is textured too, with a great shock of citrus and cool apple and salt acidity.
Tom Cannavan, wine-pages.com, Nov 2015 Read more

About this WINE

Domaine Lyrarakis

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,  Dafniand  Vidiano, that it rescued from extinction.
 
The winery’s extensive portfolio consists of a range of monovarietal wines (VidianoPlytó, MandilariAssyrtiko, 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.





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Dafni White

Dafni White

Grown exclusively in the mountainous area of Alagni near Heraklion in the island of Crete, Dafni is one of the most ancient grape varieties. The inscription “Dafnitos Oinos” (=wine made of Dafni grapes) can be seen on a copper vessel that dates back to the bronze-age (and is on exhibit in the museum of Chania in Crete). 

The name Dafni derives from the Greek word "Dafni"   (=bay leaf/ laurel)  and the flavours found in the fresh grapes are indeed reminiscent of this herb. The Dafni grape variety is still very rare, and obscure, and was brought back from extinction in the 1980s thanks to the efforts of the vine grower Lyrarakis.

Dafni is a late-ripening (harvested in October), prolific variety, and but needs very careful cultivation. The grapes are big, with thick skins, thereby preserving the aromas. The resulting wines display layers of complex botanical flavours  ( juniper to eucalyptus, spearmint) underlined  by refreshing, cleansing acidity.

The wine makes a great accompaniment to dishes with herbal overlays like rosemary, thyme, marjoram.

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