Description
Lyrarakis Dafni
One of the region’s most ancient and indigenous varieties that still remains very rare and obscure. Remarkable intensity & richness, as well as a refreshing, cleansing acidity with complex layers of botanical flavors (juniper, eucalyptus & spearmint). This wine will improve with a few years ageing in bottles. Region: Alagni, Heraklion
Wine making
Wine making Skin-contact for 10 hours. The 5% of the juice comes from early vintage grapes which are fermented separately in a prolonged maceration on skins in order to balance the acidity and enhance the herbal character. Fermentation took place in a stainless steel tank between 17-19 °C and then the final blend matured on lees for a period of 4 months, gaining depth of flavour.
Tasting notes
Bright yellow colour. Aromas of herbs such as laurel and rosemary with notes of citrus flower and fruit, typical for this variety. Elegant with a
refreshing mouthfeel and an intense aromatic aſtertaste.
About the winery
Lyrarakis Wines” is a family winery, established on the island of Crete, Greece, in 1966. The Lyrarakis brothers established the winery in Alagni village, on a gifted plateau, in the heart of the prefecture of Heraklion. Alagni was the born place of the brothers. They started producing wine just like their ancestors did before them, preserving and promoting the Cretan wine heritage. Today, the second generation manage the winery.
During those five decades, the family has devoted itself to the revival of indigenous, almost extinct, Cretan grape varieties. They vinified wines that highlight their distinctive character. In the early ninenties, the family initiated the revival of two indigenous white grape varieties, Plyto and Dafni, by planting them in the “Psarades” family vineyard. Further on, they planted Melissaki, an indigenous variety almost lost and completely forgotten, in the vineyard “Gero-deti” in 2010.
Variety revivals
Besides the 3 revived white varieties (Plyto, Dafni and Melissaki), Thrapsathiri, Vidiano, Vilana, Muscat of Spina and the Aegean super star Assyrtiko complement the range of white varieties that Lyrarakis winery offers. As for the red varieties, the local Kotsifali, Mandilari and Liatiko. In addition, international Syrah, that flourishes in the Cretan vineyards and soil, complete the varieties.
The winery’s facilities are located in the community of Alagni, in Heraklion, Crete, at an altitude of 480m. The wine cella and its oak aging barrels, first opened its doors to visitors in 2008. Since, it offers unique wine tasting experiences in front of the family’s vineyard and the imposing Lassithi mountains. The visiting cellar operates daily from April until October and visitors get the chance to enjoy tours in the vineyards, cellar and the winery’s vine museum. As well as wine tastings guided by professional sommeliers and paired with authentic Cretan flavours.
International awards
The multiple international awards and distinctions justify the recognition gained by Lyrarakis Winery worldwide. In total, Lyrarakis winery export its wines to 29 countries including Europe, Russia, China, USA, Canada, Japan, Australia and New Zealand and more. All Lyrarakis Wines are Vegan Certified.
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