Dafni – Psarades Vineyard
100% Dafní. This indigenous variety was saved from extinction in the early 90’s by the Lyrarakis family and planted in their “Psarades” estate vineyard. It is located in central Crête, at 480 meters above sea level. The soil is clay and loam. “Dáfni” means laurel (bay leaf) in Greek. The eponymous wine evokes its aromas.
Skin contact for 10 hours. 5% of the juice comes from grapes that are fermented for an extended time on the skins in order to balance the acidity. Fermentation in stainless steel tanks, aging on the lees for 4 months. Aromas of laurel, rosemary, citrus notes in the background, refreshing mouthfeel and intensely aromatic finish. 12% alcohol.
About the Producer
The Lyrarakis Estate was founded in 1966 by brothers Manolis and Sotiris Lyrarakis. It is surrounded by the Lassithi mountains and focuses on rare local varieties and single variety wines. The Lyrarakis family is credited with the revival of two ancient white Cretan varieties, Dafni and Plyto while a third “vineyard treasure”, the indigenous Melissaki, was recently added to their credit. Vilana, White Muscat and Sauvignon Blanc complete the range of white varieties, and Kotsifali, Mandilari, Black Muscat as well as Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, the red ones.
The winery is situated in one of the most noteworthy vineyard regions of Crete, namely at Alagni, Heraklion, the most mountainous village of the appellation area (AOC) of PEZA. The company only started bottling wines under the Lyrarakis name in the early nineties, and 1992 was the first vintage.
Today, the company is managed by the second generation: Bart (CEO), George (Chairman) and Manolis (viticulturalist). The estate vineyards spread over 14 hectares, at an average altitude of 550 meters. The soil is composed of gravel and limestone.
Farming/sustainability practices: in conversion to organic farming - certain vineyards are already certified. Member of the People4soil initiative - European Citizens Initiative (ECI) - aiming at lobbying for the creation of a specific European legislation that will recognize soil as a common good and will establish regulations for its protection. An organic community garden produces part of the vegetables used for the meals served during the meetings of various groups (employees, members of St August winegrowers group and others).
Lyrarakis
Lyrarakis - Jancis Robinson 2020
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