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Wine from Lyrarakis Estate
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The Lyrarakis Estate is a family winery which has been producing high quality wines since 1966 with a strong focus on rare local varieties and producing single variety wines.
The family is credited with the revival of two ancient Cretan varieties, Dafni and Plyto while a third “vineyard treasure”, the indigenous Melissaki, is recently added to the credits.
Surrounded by the idyllic setting of the vineyards and the Lassithi mountains we offer you the opportunity to enjoy nature and discover local varieties and wines distinguished by the uniqueness of their origin and heritage.
Date Founded: 1966
The founders of the Lyrarakis Estate decided 40 years ago to get actively involved with winemaking in their native land. The company now known as GEA (Alagni Agricultural Enterprises) was founded in 1966. The family has always used its privately owned vineyards. At that time, the dominant varieties included Vilana, Kotsifali and Mantilaria. After careful selection of the Vilana strain, the first organised planting of this particular variety was completed and served to supply the farmers of the region. But the family’s grape-growing did not stop there. In the late 1980s, there was an attempt to save two rare native varieties, Dafni and Plyto, from the Phylloxera blight. Efforts were ultimately successful as indicated by the wines of the same name first made available by the Lyrarakis company in the early 1990s.
Winery Acreage: 37 acres
The village of Alagni, from which the Lyrarakis family originated, is located in the heart of Heraklion Prefecture, in the most mountainous area of Crete’s Peza region with the extensive wine-producing tradition (stone-carved wine presses from the Venetian era are scattered throughout the region).
Today, the family vineyard is 15 hectares (37 acres) and produces seven single-variety wines from native grape varieties: The selection of products is rounded off with combined vinification of native and foreign varieties, the best-known of which include Kotsifali-Syrah and Cabernet-Merlot.
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Lyrarakis Assyrtiko Voila is made from 100% Assyrtiko.
Description: Our family discovered the quality potential of East Crete since the 70's. Originally on the “Vóila” plain and subsequently in the extended surroundings, we discover exceptional vineyards where the great grape variety Assyrtiko thrives.
Tasting notes: Bright platinum color. Pure floral aromas with ginger spices and delicate notes of ripe citrus. Marvelously ripe grapes have given this wine a crispy and rich mouthfeel with a mineral and chalky character.
Alcohol: 13.5% ABV
Acidity: 7 g/L
pH: 3.2
RS: 3.43 g/L
Region: Voila area, Sitia, east part of Crete
Soil: Loam
Sun Exposure: Northeast
Pruning Technique: Head trained, spur pruned
Altitude: 580m above sea level
Irrigation: Not irrigated
Yield: 7tn/ha
Varieties: Assyrtiko 100%
Winemaking: The harvest was performed by hand seeking to obtain a proper fruit maturity. Skin contact was carried out at 12°C for 16 hours. Fermented in a stainless steel tank, this wine had a slow fermentation rate that lasted for more than 15 days.
Food pairing: All seafood, grilled fish, as well as white meat cooked with lemon.
Review:
"Assyrtiko has been growing on the Voila plain in eastern Crete since the 1990s, planted by farmers on the advice of the local co-op. Started from cuttings brought in from Santorini, the vines have taken to the place, a windy plateau at nearly 2,000 feet in altitude. This wine captures a sense of the coolness at that height, and the briskness of the wind, in its bright, quenching acidity; it also offers a sense of expansiveness in its breadth and round texture. The wine feels generous but firm, savory with herbal notes that recall the mountain tea that's ubiquitous on the island. In other words, it's a trip to Crete for $20, and available to ayone sheltering in place."
- Wine & Spirits (August 2020), 93 pts - BEST BUY
Lyrarakis Assyrtiko Voila is made from 100% Assyrtiko.
Description: Our family discovered the quality potential of East Crete since the 70's. Originally on the “Vóila” plain and subsequently in the extended surroundings, we discover exceptional vineyards where the great grape variety Assyrtiko thrives.
Tasting notes: Bright platinum color. Pure floral aromas with ginger spices and delicate notes of ripe citrus. Marvelously ripe grapes have given this wine a crispy and rich mouthfeel with a mineral and chalky character.
Alcohol: 13.5% ABV
Acidity: 7 g/L
pH: 3.2
RS: 3.43 g/L
Region: Voila area, Sitia, east part of Crete
Soil: Loam
Sun Exposure: Northeast
Pruning Technique: Head trained, spur pruned
Altitude: 580m above sea level
Irrigation: Not irrigated
Yield: 7tn/ha
Varieties: Assyrtiko 100%
Winemaking: The harvest was performed by hand seeking to obtain a proper fruit maturity. Skin contact was carried out at 12°C for 16 hours. Fermented in a stainless steel tank, this wine had a slow fermentation rate that lasted for more than 15 days.
Food pairing: All seafood, grilled fish, as well as white meat cooked with lemon.
Lyrarakis Liatiko Kedros Rose is made from 75% Merlot, 25% Liatiko.
Grapes are carefully selected by hand at optimum phenolic and aromatic maturity. After being destemmed, the free run juice is fermented in a stainless steel tank at controlled temperatures.
The wine is produced in the Alagni area, central Crete, from vineyards located 480 meters above sea level.
Light coral color. The nose offers typical Mediterranean aromas composed of a variety of scents like red fruits and blossomy herbs. The palate is silky and fresh with a long flavorful aftertaste of strawberry marmelade.
Lyrarakis Mandilari Plakoura Cretian Red is made from 100% Mandilari
Description: The rare low-yield Plakoura vineyard is the equivalent to a Premier Cru slope at 500m. Altitude, with sandy, stony soil. The head-trained pruning in combination with the north-east exposure of the vineyard and plenty of sunshine, ensures that the grapes reach optimum ripeness at the time of harvest. Very thorough cultivation helps us achieve extremely low yields, succeeding in vinificating a very concentrated wine with a deep red color and an excellent structure, which will age for a long time.
Tasting Notes: Deep, intense red color. In the nose, complex aromas of juicy plums, toffee and licorice are superbly balanced by the chocolate and vanilla notes provided by its ageing process in oak. In the mouth it is well concentrated with a lively lingering finish. This wine has an excellent bottle ageing potential that can overpass 10 years.
Alcohol: 13% ABV
Acidity: 5.62 g/L
pH: 3.5
RS: 2.11 g/L
Region: Plakoura vineyard, Karkadiotisa area - central Crete
Soil: Sandy-loam with a good amount of stones
Sun Exposure: North East
Pruning Technique: Head trained, spur pruned
Altitude: 500m above sea level
Irrigation: Not irrigated
Yield: 5tn/ha
Varieties: 100% Mandilari
Winemaking: Green-harvested in August. Harvested by hand during the second week of September, defined by berry sensory assessment to obtain a proper fruit and aromatic balance. Fermentation with selected yeasts at temperature between 25°C and 28°C. The wine was aged for 12 months in both new and used oak barrels and then stored in bottles for 9 months before being launched commercially.
Food pairing: Grilled red meat, game and piquant cheese.
Lyrarakis Mandilari Plakoura Cretian Red is made from 100% Mandilari
Description: The rare low-yield Plakoura vineyard is the equivalent to a Premier Cru slope at 500m. Altitude, with sandy, stony soil. The head-trained pruning in combination with the north-east exposure of the vineyard and plenty of sunshine, ensures that the grapes reach optimum ripeness at the time of harvest. Very thorough cultivation helps us achieve extremely low yields, succeeding in vinificating a very concentrated wine with a deep red color and an excellent structure, which will age for a long time.
Tasting Notes: Deep, intense red color. In the nose, complex aromas of juicy plums, toffee and licorice are superbly balanced by the chocolate and vanilla notes provided by its ageing process in oak. In the mouth it is well concentrated with a lively lingering finish. This wine has an excellent bottle ageing potential that can overpass 10 years.
Alcohol: 13% ABV
Acidity: 5.62 g/L
pH: 3.5
RS: 2.11 g/L
Region: Plakoura vineyard, Karkadiotisa area - central Crete
Soil: Sandy-loam with a good amount of stones
Sun Exposure: North East
Pruning Technique: Head trained, spur pruned
Altitude: 500m above sea level
Irrigation: Not irrigated
Yield: 5tn/ha
Varieties: 100% Mandilari
Winemaking: Green-harvested in August. Harvested by hand during the second week of September, defined by berry sensory assessment to obtain a proper fruit and aromatic balance. Fermentation with selected yeasts at temperature between 25°C and 28°C. The wine was aged for 12 months in both new and used oak barrels and then stored in bottles for 9 months before being launched commercially.
Food pairing: Grilled red meat, game and piquant cheese.
Lyrarakis Red is made from 75% Syrah, 25% Kotsifali.
The wine is produced in the Alagni area, central Crete, in vineyards located at 480 meters above sea level.
Deep red color. Delicate balance of delicious dark fruit highlighted by peppery notes and hints of sweet spices. Rich and long with deep fruity flavors, very smooth tannins and a piquant aftertaste.
Green harvest in July in order to obtain a proper taste and polyphenol ripeness. Hand-harvest during the last week of August. Fermentation was achieved at temperatures between 27 and 29°C by selected yeasts. 15% of the wine has been aged in oak barrels for 12 months.
Lyrarakis White is made from 75% Muscat of Spina and 25% Vidiano.
Description: An aromatic white wine with an exciting, crispy mouthfeel, vinificated by combining indigenous and international grape varieties, which have perfectly acclimatized on our island.
Tasting Notes: Bright and lively pale yellow color. Mature aromas of grapefruit and stone fruit enhanced by a persistent presence of rose petals. Elegant and fine balanced with pleasant acidity and plushy finish.
Alcohol: 12% ABV
Acidity: 6.39 g/L
pH: 3.25
RS: 1.02 g/L
Region: Alagni area - central Crete
Soil: Clay - loam
Pruning Technique: Cordon trained, spur pruned
Altitude: 480m above sea level
Irrigation: Not irrigated
Yield: 9tn/ha
Varieties: 75% Muscat of Spina and 25% Vidiano
Winemaking: Hand-harvested in the last week of August (exact harvest time defined by berry sensory assessment, to obtain the optimum taste and aromatic balance). Grapes are vinificated separately. After de-stemming, the almost uncrushed berries remain in the press under reductive conditions for about 8 to 10 hours. Blending was performed using tasting results, choosing the ones with the best characteristics of texture and freshness. Matured on fine lees for 3 months.
Food pairing: Sea food, Thai or spicy cuisine and a large variety of salads.
Review:
"Classy muscat aromatics with serious peach undertones and minerality on the nose. The palate displays refreshing lingering acidity ."
- 2018 Decanter World Wine Awards, 91 pts - SILVER MEDAL
Lyrarakis White is made from 75% Muscat of Spina and 25% Vidiano.
Description: An aromatic white wine with an exciting, crispy mouthfeel, vinificated by combining indigenous and international grape varieties, which have perfectly acclimatized on our island.
Tasting Notes: Bright and lively pale yellow color. Mature aromas of grapefruit and stone fruit enhanced by a persistent presence of rose petals. Elegant and fine balanced with pleasant acidity and plushy finish.
Alcohol: 12% ABV
Acidity: 6.39 g/L
pH: 3.25
RS: 1.02 g/L
Region: Alagni area - central Crete
Soil: Clay - loam
Pruning Technique: Cordon trained, spur pruned
Altitude: 480m above sea level
Irrigation: Not irrigated
Yield: 9tn/ha
Varieties: 75% Muscat of Spina and 25% Vidiano
Winemaking: Hand-harvested in the last week of August (exact harvest time defined by berry sensory assessment, to obtain the optimum taste and aromatic balance). Grapes are vinificated separately. After de-stemming, the almost uncrushed berries remain in the press under reductive conditions for about 8 to 10 hours. Blending was performed using tasting results, choosing the ones with the best characteristics of texture and freshness. Matured on fine lees for 3 months.
Food pairing: Sea food, Thai or spicy cuisine and a large variety of salads.
Lyrarakis Za Za Zu Sparkling is made from Vilana, Vidiano and Muscat of Spina
A gentle sweet kiss of peach and juicy stone fruit that excites the senses and tickles the tongue with bubbly delight followed by aromas of a spring breeze bringing scents of apple and cherry blossom with hints of baby’s breath, lily and a garden of white flowers. There is a delicate sweetness to this wine that lends itself to enjoying with friends or peaceful contemplation.
Region: Alagni area, central Crete
Soil: Clay loam
pruning technique: Cordon trained, spur pruned
Altitude: 520m above sea level
Irrigation: Not irrigated
Yield: 8.5 tn/ha
Winemaking: Hand harvested in the last week of August. Grapes are vinificated separately.
Blending was performed using internal tasting results, choosing the ones with the best characteristics of texture and freshness. Secondary fermentation adds subtle creamy complexity and gives the wine its attractive fine gas bead and mousse.
Alcohol: 10% ABV
Acidity: 5.7 g/L
pH: 3.15
RS: 4.29 g/100ML
Food pairing: Fruit paste desserts, vegetable risotto and a large variety of antipasti.
Showing 1 to 9 of 9 (1 Pages)
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Segries Secret Grange Lirac Rouge is made from 50% Grenache and 50% Syrah.
This is a new wine for Chateau de Segries. 2013 is the first vintage.
The wine is dark and inky.
The aromas are intense and complex. It has fruit flavors of course, Strawberry and Blackberry, but it also have some interesting spice components, garrigue, pepper and licorice.
The finish is long and very pleasant as the tannins are round and well integrated.
La Grange is the name of the parcel where the grapes are grown. The soil is Clay and Limestone.
The average age of the vines is 80 years old.
Classic vinification in temperature controlled tanks. The skin contact maceration lasted 30 days and was completed in cement tanks.
The wine went through MaloLactic fermentation and was bottled without filtration.La Grange is the name of the parcel where the grapes are grown. The soil is Clay and Limestone.
The average age of the vines is 80 years old.
Classic vinification in temperature controlled tanks. The skin contact maceration lasted 30 days and was completed in cement tanks.
The wine went through MaloLactic fermentation and was bottled without filtration.
Review:
"The estate’s top wine is the 2016 Lirac Secret de la Grange, a 90-10 blend of Grenache and Syrah that never sees oak. This full-bodied blend is fabulously concentrated and lush, with ripe fruit flavors of raspberries and stone fruits, an intriguing hint of almond paste and a rich, long finish tinged with licorice. It should drink well for up to a decade. - Joe Czerwinski"
- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (Issue #233, October 2017), 93 pts
Louis Jadot Gevrey Chambertin Rouge is made from Pinot Noir.
Jadot Gevrey Chambertin wines are produced from vineyards lying on the extension of the slope on which the Grands and Premiers Crus are situated. These vineyards vary considerable in quality, and the name of the producer is thus more important here than elsewhere. Maison Louis Jadot vinifies the production of growers with whom it holds purchase agreements based on the quality of the harvest each year.
Review:
"The bright cherry core of this red is framed by smoke, vanilla and saline mineral notes. Vibrant and balanced, backed by dense tannins. The finish evokes dark cherry, plum and spice elements, extended by the lively acidity. Best from 2022 through 2042. 900 cases imported."
-Wine Spectator 93 Points
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