Lyrarakis Kotsifali PGI Crete 2022
Type: White
Country: Greece
Region: Crete
Grape Variety: 100% Kotsifali
Viticulture: Organic Farming
Climate: Warm dry summers moderated by cool Aegean winds
Terroir: Vines grow on a soilbed of loamy sand with a northeastern exposure at an altitude of 500m above sea level
Ageing: Hand-harvested. Exact harvest time is defined by the berry sensory assessment to obtain the optimum flavour and aromatic balance. Fermentation with maceration on the skins for an average of 6 days. Pre-fermentation maceration at 5°C for two-thirds of the grapes. Temperature-controlled fermentation between 20-28°C for 10 days
Color: Bright, mid ruby
Nose: An aromatic nose of red cherries and zesty dark fruits with a touch of spice
Palate: Balanced and savoury palate with smooth tannins, juicy acidity and a long fruity aftertaste
About the Winery:
The Lyrarakis estate is a family vineyard and winery which has been producing high-quality wines since 1966.
Lyrarakis has devoted itself to the revival of indigenous, almost extinct, rare varieties such as Dafni, Plyto, Melissaki and others, vinifying wines that highlight their unique and distinctive character.
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 proof of 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 the supple texture of the fruit. She argues it is all about expressing authenticity and achieving harmony and that every variety needs to be worked in its own special way.
