Lyrarakis, Liatiko Aggelis Vineyard 2020

Liatiko Aggelis vineyard was planted in 1930 with Liatiko vines on their own native rootstock. Producing small berry, low yielding grapes with exceptional intensity of flavour, the wine is fermented in open oak barrels with no temperature control or fining.

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 is 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 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.