Lyrarakis Psarades Vineyard Dafni 2024

Region and Vineyards

The Psarades Vineyard lies in Alagni, in the heart of Central Crete, at 480 meters above sea level. This elevated location benefits from a northeast exposure, allowing for gentle morning sun while protecting the vines from the intense heat of the afternoon. The result is a longer ripening period, ideal for preserving the delicate aromatics and acidity of Dafni, one of Crete’s most distinctive native white grape varieties.

The soils are predominantly clay-loam, offering balanced water retention and drainage, which supports vine health without the need for irrigation. The vines are cordon-trained and spur-pruned, yielding around 9 tons per hectare, striking a balance between aromatic concentration and freshness. This specific microclimate—cool, dry, and slightly sheltered—amplifies the variety’s signature herbal and citrus profile, producing a wine of expressive character, marked by laurel, Mediterranean herbs, and mineral precision.

Winemaking

After harvesting, the grapes undergo 8 hours of skin contact, enhancing aromatic extraction and textural depth. Uniquely, 8.5% of the juice is sourced from early-picked grapes, boosting acidity and amplifying the variety’s distinctive bay leaf and herbal character.

Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks at 17–19 °C, followed by four months of lees aging, which adds roundness and aromatic layering. No oak is used, maintaining varietal purity and freshness. The wine is best enjoyed young but can evolve gracefully over 3 to 4 years.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Bright yellow with greenish reflections.
• Aroma: Intense notes of bay leaf, rosemary, citrus blossom, and soft white fruit.
• Palate: Crisp and savory, with vibrant acidity, herbaceous tension, and a persistent, aromatic finish.

Did you know?

Dafni, meaning “laurel” in Greek, is named after its unmistakable bay leaf aroma. It was nearly extinct until Lyrarakis revived it in the 1990s, becoming the first to release a single-varietal Dafni—earning the winery international praise for preserving Crete’s vinous heritage.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Fried small fish (e.g. anchovies): A perfect match for the wine’s freshness and herbal bite.
• Cuttlefish with spinach and herbs: Classic Mediterranean pairing, echoing the wine’s green notes.
• White meats with lemon and oregano: Bright flavors align with the citrus and laurel tones.
• Savory herb pies or pulses: The wine’s structure complements plant-based textures and aromatics.

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.