Lyrarakis Symbolo Grand Cuvee 2019

Region and Vineyards

Symbolo is sourced from select high-altitude vineyards in the Heraklion region of central Crete, at 500 meters above sea level. These north-facing slopes benefit from steady sunlight and cooling winds, allowing for slow, even ripening and excellent preservation of acidity. The soils are clay-loam, offering both structure and drainage, key to growing red grapes of concentration and finesse.

The vines are cordon trained and spur pruned, farmed without irrigation, and yield a modest 6.5 tons per hectare. This encourages low-intervention farming and fruit of high quality and ripeness. The inclusion of both international and indigenous varieties reflects the unique dual identity of Cretan viticulture: rooted in tradition, yet open to innovation.

Winemaking

The grapes are hand-harvested in small 15 kg crates, with meticulous sorting. Fermentation is traditional, lasting 7 days with controlled temperatures between 20–27 °C to ensure optimal extraction without over-extraction. After pressing, the wine is aged in new oak barrels for 20 months, lending spice, toast, and refinement.

The final blend includes 48% Syrah, 36% Mandilari, 11% Kotsifali, and 5% Vidiano—a rare choice for a red wine, but one that adds aromatic lift and elegance. Only 3,700 bottles of the 2021 vintage were produced, affirming the cuvée’s rarity and prestige.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep ruby red with purple highlights.
• Aroma: Expressive and dense, with notes of blackberries, red cherries, pepper, and subtle layers of apricot and dried orange peel.
• Palate: Full-bodied and savoury, with ripe black fruit, charred oak, and a silky mouthfeel. Structured with fine tannins and a long, complex finish.

Did you know?

The name “Symbolo” refers to the ancient Cretan ideogram for wine, found in Linear B and Minoan hieroglyphics—paying homage to Crete’s 4,000-year winemaking heritage. The inclusion of Vidiano in a red blend is both symbolic and technical, contributing brightness and aromatic complexity.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Chargrilled ribeye steak with rosemary salt: The bold tannins and smoky oak match the intensity of grilled red meat.
• Slow-cooked lamb shoulder: The wine’s depth and spice pair beautifully with rich, long-cooked dishes.
• Veal parmigiana: An ideal balance of umami, acidity, and texture.
• Grilled portobello mushrooms with balsamic glaze: A plant-based pairing with earthy depth and complementing structure.

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.