Domaine Lyrarakis Liatiko Red Crete 2019

Description

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 Plyto, Dafni and Vidiano, that it rescued from extinction.

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. Wonderful wine, almost like Nerello Mascalese. Licorice, grip, terrific flavour.