Liatiko Aggelis 2022 Lyrarakis, Crete

A unique and fascinating red from single-vineyard, old-vine Liatiko grapes. Light in colour with a distinctive brick red hue, typical of the variety. Complex aromas of sweet berries and sour cherries mingle with intriguing notes of liquorice and thyme and hints of salty sea spray. Medium-bodied and beautifully balanced with a wonderful intrinsic freshness nicely-structured tannins and a touch of sweet oak.

2022 - 13.5% abv

The Aggelis vineyard, planted more than a century ago with own-rooted Liatiko vines, highlights the wealth of East Crete. The low yields lead to small grapes of exceptionally high density, which are vinified, almost uncrushed, in small vats.

Harvesting was performed in two passes over 15 days, based on flavour profile. Fermentation by indigenous yeasts and malolactic bacteria. 1/3 of the bunches were fermented whole in 5tn oak foudre and barrels. The wine had a 1 month maceration, prior to maturation in oak and inox (65% matured for 6 months in old foudre and oak barrels). Respect to natural micro-flora defines each vintage character. The wine is made with no temperature control for fermentation, no fining, no cold treatments and is bottled unfiltered, with less than 45 ppm SO2 . Ageing Potential: 6-9 years.

The Lyrarakis estate is a family vineyard and winery which has been producing high quality wines since 1966 with a strong focus on rare local varieties, single variety and single vineyard wines. The family is credited with the revival of two ancient Cretan varieties, Dafni and Plyto while a third 'vineyard treasure', the indigenous Melissaki, has recently been added to the credits.

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 testament to 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.