CRETAN WINE LIRARAKIS

It is certain that there is no Cretan family which, in the course of time, has not been directly involved in the production of wine. For the residents of the island, this product has been, and will forever remain, the most beloved of all goods, which the Cretan soil bountifully offers us. Brought up in this environment, the founders of the company decided, 35 years ago, to become professionally involved with the production of wine.
In 1966 they founded the company under the title of LYRARAKI BROTHERS & A. PAVLAKIS WINEMAKING J.S.C. The company functioned in this form until 1977, when it was converted to an Incorporating Company with the title G.E.A., S.A. ALAGNI AGRICULTURAL ENTERPRISES. Simultaneously with the founding of the company, the establishment of the best local varieties of vines began, which at that time were Vilana, Kotsifali and Mandilaria.The first organized vineyard of the Vilana variety was created.
After the appearance of phylloxera on the island, the vineyard was the main supplier of grafts of this variety to co-operative and private nurseries

The family vineyard today covers an area of 80,000 square metres, where the red varieties Kotsifali, Mandilaria, Syrah, cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache Rouge, Carignan and the white varieties Vilana, pezalira, Daphni, Sylvaner, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay are cultivated. At the same time the company has signed long-term contracts for the cultivation of 40,000 square metres, belonging to two vine-growers in the same area

ALAGNI: "A village in the sub-prefecture of Monofatsi, prefecture of Heraklion,altitude 470 metres. It is situated on the 25th kilometre of the road towards Arkalohori. Its snow-white houses are surrounded by green vineyards. Its main products are wine, olive oil and sultana raisins". A description by the author Stergios Spanakis, in his book "Towns and villages of Crete through the passing of the Centuries", volume A, p. 91.

We first encounter the name of the settlement, as it is referred to today in a notarian document from Venetian archives, dated April 17, 1414. The document refers to the distribution of the property of a Venetian feudal lord, a section of which were 6 vineyards in the Alagni region and which are recorded in detail. From the book "The land and farmers of Medieval Crete 13th-14th century" pp. 354-362 by Haralambos Gasparis, published by the National Research Foundation

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Dafni Dry White Table Wine Variety: Dafni 100% The Dafni variety is one of the oldest and rarest Cretan varieties planted on the estate of the vine-grower Lyrarakis at Alagni a few years ago in order to save it from extinction. A characteristic of this variety is the wonderful original aromas found concentrated mainly in the skin of the grape. This variety owes its name to the plant of the same name (Daphne or Laurel) due to the similarity of their aromas. Vinification: White vinification with the juice remaining for 8 to 10 hours along with the skins (skin contact method) in order for the best extraction of aromas to be accomplished. Fermentation at a controlled temperature of 18° C. Characteristics: Whitish-yellow colour. Long-lasting and intense aroma which clearly reveals the variety it originates from. Rich, balanced flavour. Suggested with: All sea food, a large variety of cheese and white meat. Best consumed at a temperature of: 12 - 13°C High shipping and insurance charges has obliged Creta Shop to stop accepting orders for wine.
	Kotsifali - Syrah Cretan Regional Wine Varieties: Kotsifali 30%, Syrah 70 %. This great wine of Crete made with the exceptional care of the vine-grower Lyrarakis, is the most successful proposal combining a local and a foreign variety, of the ones recommended in the prefecture of Heraklion. Vinification: The classic red vinification method. Characteristics: Deep red color with attractive hues. Complex aromas which remind of raspberry and cherry. Abundant, aromatic, velvety long-lasting taste. Suggested with: Grilled red meat, game and piquant cheese. Βest consumed at: 17 - 18° High shipping and insurance charges has obliged Creta Shop to stop accepting orders for wine.
Red Dry Wine V.Q.P.R.D PEZA Varieties: Kotsifali 80%, Mandilari 20%. Origin: The select vineyards of the Lyrarakis family and the vine growers Kaloudakis Michael and Kalomirakis Emmanuel located at Alagni region. Vinification: The classical red vinification, in the private modern installations at Alagni. Features: Deep ruby colour. Complex aromas of red fruits. Full silky body. Suggested with: Grilled red meat, game and piquant cheese. Serve at approx. 17 - 18° C High shipping and insurance charges has obliged Creta Shop to stop accepting orders for wine.
	Plyto Variety: Plyto 100% This variety is one of the most well-known old Cretan varieties which, however, in recent years has been in danger of extinction. Very few vines scattered throughout old vineyards were the sole ones to be found a few years ago. Under the care of the vine-grower Lyrarakis, the variety has been preserved on a significant stretch of his estate at Alagni, where the wine of the same name is produced. Vinification: The classic white vinification, with reception of the first grape-juice with soft pressure by pneumatic presses, static removal of sediment and fermentation at a controlled temperature of 18 - 20o C. Characteristics: Straw-yellow color. Complex aroma with intensity and quality. Excellent balance of flavor. Suggested with all sea food, a large variety of cheese, and white meat. Best consumed at a temperature of 12 - 13° C High shipping and insurance charges has obliged Creta Shop to stop accepting orders for wine.

CRETAN WINE LIRARAKIS

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