Greece

We have worked with Crete producer Lyrarakis for a long time, and leapt at the chance to have a wine made exclusively for our own-label range. This Vidiano – an indigenous grape – is produced without any oak influence, preserving the intensely fresh, peach and apricot characters that emerge on the nose. On the palate, these notes are underpinned by juicy acidity, glorious concentration and a mouth-filling texture. The finish is persistent, with lingering notes of stone-fruit and a salty tang.
Katherine Dart MW, Buyer (spring 2019)

The Lyrarakis white is a blend of aromatic Muscat of Spina and Crete’s flagship variety, Vidiano. The aromatic intensity of Muscat, with its heady florals and grapefruit notes, is tempered by Vidiano’s more subtle and textural profile. At 12%, this is a light and playful white, perfect for lunchtime quaffing. Ready to drink now. 
Lenka Sedlackova MW, Agency Manager ( August 2019)

The Lyrarakis white is a blend of aromatic Muscat of Spina and Crete’s flagship variety, Vidiano. The aromatic intensity of Muscat, with its heady florals and grapefruit notes, is tempered by Vidiano’s more subtle and textural profile. At 12%, this is a light and playful white, perfect for lunchtime quaffing.
Lenka Sedlackova MW, Wine Buyer

The 2018 Assyrtiko from Lyrarakis is outstanding value. Dry-farmed and grown at 580 metres’ altitude in the Voilá vineyard on the eastern side of Crete, it has subtle aromas of white fruits and stony minerals. There is a definite floral character, with refreshing acidity and chalky texture. Delicious with fresh seafood or grilled fish and lemon. Ready to drink now.
Daisy Gatt, Buying Assistant (spring 2019)

The Lyrarakis Red is a blend of Syrah and the indigenous variety Kotsifali. Here Syrah lends plush berry fruit and soft tannins to the blend, tempered by Kotsifali’s fresh fruit profile. A rich mouth-feel combines with smooth tannins, opulent fruit and peppery spice. The finish is long and defined with notes of toasted sesame and black cherry. A wonderful introduction to Cretan wine, this would pair well with grilled meats and hard cheeses. Ready to drink now. 
Daisy Gatt, Buying Assistant (spring 2019)

Fashioned from Vilana (50%), Vidiano (35%), and the indigenous Cretan Muscat (15%), this medium sweet wine is a lot of fun. Though a tad under 50 g/l residual sugar, this gently sparkling wine possesses good natural acidity, vivid apricot, zesty lemon, and modest 11% alcohol; all combining to provide balancing freshness, liveliness and zip. So, when to drink it? Madame Bollinger might disapprove, but I’d suggest that almost any occasion would be right, particularly after mowing the lawn, as a light aperitif, or with fruit-based desserts.
Demetri Walters MW, Hellenic Wines Specialist

I have to admit to this being one of my guilty pleasures for summer drinking.  I tend to think of it as grown-up Asti Spumante – white, sparkling, slightly sweet, with lovely refreshing acidity, but with more body than its Italian counterpart. A perfect summer drink that can be enjoyed on its own, or with a fruit salad.  The grape varieties include Muscat, but only in a supporting role to the local heroes Vilana and Vidiano, all carefully vinified by Bert Lyrarakis, a man determined to keep the vinous heritage of Crete alive, albeit with a modern twist.  I really should not like something this frivolous (the bottle design says it all), but I cannot help myself.
Martin Hudson MW, Wine Buyer

This indigenous variety was salvaged from extinction in the 1990s by Lyrarakis. Now grown in the spectacular 1.5-hectare Psarades vineyard, sitting at almost 500 metres’ altitude, this is the only 100% Plytó in commercial production. It offers aromas of white flowers, orchard fruit and wild herbs. Bright, zesty acidity couples with perfumed fruit on the palate. The finish is delicate and subtle with flecks of rosemary and lemon pith. This would pair perfectly with Calamari and lemon aïoli or crayfish. Ready to drink now. 
Daisy Gatt, Buying Assiatnt (spring 2019)

A historic wine which enjoyed huge success for 300 years while Crete was ruled by Venice, the tradition was to blend together a number of native Cretan grapes rather than use a single varietal. This blend comprises the white cultivars Plyto, Dafni, Vidiano and Vilana. Grapes are dried in the sun for nine days to concentrate the sugars and the must, and, after pressing, the wine is aged in new oak for a year.

You might expect the resultant wine, from such a warm climate, to be on the heavy side, but in fact the contrary is true. There is a high degree of lusciousness with rich, grapey, apricot-and-honey aromas, and plenty of weight on the palate, but there is also a real sense of elegance and freshness to the wine. Serve it with creamy fruit desserts or simply with ripe stone fruit such as peaches and nectarines, whilst sitting at an open-air table overlooking a Greek harbour.

Lyrarakis’s Aggelis vineyard was planted in the 1930s on the eastern side of Crete, 580 metres above sea-level. Now nearly 100 years old, these naturally low-yielding ungrafted vines bear tiny berries with intense concentration. Pale crimson in colour, the wine offers aromas of ripe berry fruit and dried flowers. On the palate, notes of dried cherry, wild herbs and allspice are underpinned by lively acidity and firm tannins. This would pair well with bold Mediterranean dishes – think barbecued lamb and chargrilled peppers. Though wonderfully expressive now, this will age beautifully. Drink now to 2025.
Daisy Gatt, Buying Assistant (September 2019)