Lyrarakis Dafni Psarades White 2023
Type: White
Country: Greece
Region: Crete
Grape Variety: 100% Dafni
Viticulture: Organic Farming
Climate: Warm dry summers moderated by cool Aegean winds
Terroir: Vines grow on a soilbed of loam with a northeastern exposure at an altitude of 580m above sea level
Ageing: Skin-contact for 8 hours. 8.5% of the juice comes from early vintage grapes in order to balance the acidity and enhance the herbal character. Fermentation took place in 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
Color: Bright yellow
Nose: Aromas of herbs such as bay leaf and rosemary with notes of citrus flower and fruit, typical for this variety
Palate: Balanced and savoury with vibrant acidity and an intense aromatic 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.
