The Lyrarakis estate is a family vineyard and winery which has been producing high quality wines since 1966 with a strong focus on rare local varieties, single variety and single vineyard wines.
Lyrarakis is located in the mountainous commune of Alagni (440 metres above sea-level), south of the city of Heraklion, in Crete. The soils are predominantly loam with either more sand or clay depending on the vineyard site. 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.
In charge of winemaking is Myriam Ambuzer who has been vital in securing Lyrarakis a place in the elite wineries of Greece. Her philosophy emphasises precision, purity and supple texture of the fruit. She argues it is all about expressing authenticity, achieving harmony and that every variety needs to be worked in its own special way.
The red grape variety Kotsifali is indisputably a classic of the vineyard of Crete. Spices and red fruits with an elegant mouthfeel and a piquant aftertaste are the characteristics of the wine which is produced from vineyards situated at 500m altitude.
Enjoy it together with dishes of the mediterranean cuisine, baked meat and spicy cheeses.
"Deep crimson. Spicy dark-red fruit, with the tangy note of red cherry and the riper character of black cherry. All fruit. Lovely chewy texture and a great balance between depth of fruit and good structure. A wholehearted and satisfying wine and great to have a wine without make-up. Long, moreish, chewy finish. Could be drunk with or without food. " 16.5 pts, Jancis Robinson