Lyrarakis Karnari Kotsifali 2017

Region and Vineyards

This wine is sourced from the Karnari vineyard in the Archanes area of central Crete, at an altitude of 250 meters. The site faces west, receiving warm afternoon sun that aids in the full ripening of the Kotsifali grape. The clay soils contribute to structure and moisture retention, while regulated deficit irrigation ensures vine stress for concentrated, balanced fruit.

The vines are cordon-trained and spur-pruned, with moderate yields of 9 tonnes per hectare. Kotsifali, a historic Cretan variety, is known for its elevated alcohol, red fruit, spice, and supple tannins. In this terroir, it achieves excellent ripeness, forming the foundation for a traditional, oxidative style reimagined with finesse.

Winemaking

Inspired by the old Cretan “Marouvas” style, this wine is made with a gentler, more elegant approach. The free-run juice from fully mature Kotsifali grapes is fermented like a white wine at 16–18 °C to preserve freshness.

As fermentation nears completion, the wine is transferred to used French oak barrels, where it matures for three years. This extended aging in oxygen-permeable vessels builds oxidative complexity, softens the alcohol, and layers the wine with spice, nuttiness, and savory depth.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Brick-hued garnet with tawny reflections.
• Aroma: Aromatic blend of sweet dried red fruit, spice, balsamic notes, and hints of cedar and dried herbs from long barrel aging.
• Palate: Full-bodied and warming, with supple texture, well-integrated tannins, and a lingering finish that balances fruit sweetness and oxidative depth.

Did you know?

The Kotsifali Karnari pays homage to the ancient Cretan “Marouvas” wines, known for their oxidative character and aging potential. By fermenting like a white and aging like a red, Lyrarakis creates a unique stylistic bridge between tradition and modernity.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Aged graviera or sharp hard cheeses: The wine’s oxidative richness complements savory, salty profiles.
• Grilled lamb with oregano and lemon: A classic Cretan match with warmth and spice.
• Smoked meats or charcuterie: Enhances the wine’s earthy and dried fruit notes.
• Roasted aubergines with olive oil and herbs: A plant-based option that pairs beautifully with the wine’s Mediterranean soul.

History of Lyrarakis Winery

Founded by the Lyrarakis family in the foothills of Mount Psiloritis in Alagni, Heraklion, the estate began as a modest local operation. In the 1990s, the second generation of the family embarked on a mission to rescue and promote forgotten native varieties such as Dafni, Plyto, Melissaki, and Vidiano—some of which had nearly vanished from viticultural maps.

Over time, Lyrarakis developed a reputation not only as a quality wine producer but also as a cultural custodian, preserving Cretan vinous heritage. Their commitment to authenticity and sustainable viticulture has brought them national and international acclaim, with numerous awards and growing global distribution.

The estate remains family-run, with a focus on transparency, low-intervention winemaking, and showcasing the diversity of Crete’s microclimates and soils.

Region and Vineyards

Lyrarakis is based in Alagni, in the Peza appellation of Central Crete, one of the island’s most prestigious wine zones. The vineyards span altitudes from 400 to over 600 meters, benefiting from Mediterranean sunshine, mountainous cooling influences, and a mosaic of limestone, clay, and sandy soils.

The estate owns and manages several distinct vineyards, including:

• Plakoura (for Mandilari): dry-farmed, high-altitude site yielding structured, age-worthy reds.
• Ippodromos (for Vidiano): southeast-facing, producing expressive and mineral whites.
• Armi (for Thrapsathiri): calcareous and fossil-rich, ideal for aromatic, textured whites.
• Psarades and Karnari: key sources for rare native varieties and oxidative-style reds.

Viticulture follows sustainable and minimal intervention principles, with many parcels unirrigated and yields kept low to maximize concentration and typicity.

Wine Range of Lyrarakis Winery

Lyrarakis offers a broad portfolio that showcases both monovarietal wines and blends, focused on native grapes, including:

• Vidiano – Textured, mineral, and age-worthy.
• Dafni – Aromatic, with notes of bay leaf and citrus.
• Plyto – Bright, delicate, and floral.
• Thrapsathiri – Rich and structured with oak-aging potential.
• Kotsifali & Mandilari – Traditional reds, sometimes made in oxidative or long-aged styles.
• Symbolo – Grand Cuvée blending local and international grapes in a bold, ageable red.

These wines reflect Crete’s ancient winemaking traditions, interpreted with modern finesse and global appeal.

Did you know?

Lyrarakis was the first producer in Greece to bottle monovarietal wines from the Dafni and Plyto grapes—both of which they helped rescue from near extinction. The winery is often cited as the driving force behind Crete’s wine renaissance.