Lyrarakis Vidiano, Crete PGI, Greece 2024

Lyrarakis ‘Queen’ Vidiano, Crete, Greece 2024
Founded in 1966, Lyrarakis is one of Crete’s pioneering family wineries, celebrated for its revival and championing of indigenous Cretan grape varieties. Vidiano—often called the “queen” of Crete’s grapes—is a particular focus, producing wines with aromatic intensity and a mineral backbone that reflect the island’s mountainous terroirs. Lyrarakis farms in the Heraklion area at 550m elevation, cultivating unirrigated vines that express both freshness and complexity.

• WINEMAKER: The Lyrarakis family

• FARMING: Sustainable

• VARIETY: 100% Vidiano

• TERROIR: Vineyards in the Heraklion area of central Crete at 550m elevation; clay soils with northwest-facing slopes. Vines are cordon-trained and spur-pruned, not irrigated. Yields average 6 tons/ha.

• VINIFICATION: Hand-harvested in early August. Grapes destemmed and lightly crushed. 72% of the must underwent 8 hours of skin contact, while 28% received a 24-hour pre-fermentation maceration. Fermentation of free-run juice in stainless steel at 16–18 °C for 14 days.

• AGING: Short aging in stainless steel; bottled young for freshness. Ageing potential 1–3 years.

• TASTING NOTES: Pale straw color. Aromas of passionfruit, mango peel, pineapple, white peach, nectarine, and apricot with floral and citrus hints. The palate is juicy with vibrant acidity, high fruit intensity, and a slightly mineral aftertaste.

• FOOD PAIRINGS: Ideal with seafood, meat in creamy sauces, and Mediterranean vegetable dishes such as stuffed zucchini blossoms. Serve at 10–12 °C.

• ALCOHOL: 12.4%

• SCORES: Jancis Robinson, 16 pts (2024)