Lyrarakis 'Psarades Vineyard' Dafni, PGI Crete, Greece

Step into the heart of Crete with the 2023 Lyrarakis Psarades Vineyard Dafni, PGI Crete, Greece. Crafted from the rare, indigenous Dafni grape, painstakingly revived by the Lyrarakis family in the early 1990s, this vibrant white wine captures the island’s ancient viticultural heritage. Grown at 480 meters in the clay-loam soils of the Psarades Vineyard, it is a fresh and aromatic tribute to Crete’s rugged beauty and rich history.

Product Details:

• Varietal: 100% Dafni
• ABV: 12.65%
• Acidity: 5.2 g/L
• Residual Sugar: 1.5 g/L
• PH: 3.16
• Farming: Practicing Organic
• Vinification: Skin contact for 3 hours; 10% early harvest juice to enhance acidity and herbal notes; stainless steel fermentation at 17–18°C; matured on lees for 4 months
• Closure: Cork

Sensory Description:

The 2023 Psarades Vineyard Dafni shimmers a bright lemon-yellow in the glass, immediately releasing aromas of fresh bay leaf, rosemary, wet earth, and subtle ginger over a vibrant citrus backbone. On the palate, it is refreshingly savory and well-balanced, with lively acidity and a textured mouthfeel that leads to an intense, herbaceous finish. The unique aromatic complexity—anchored in Crete’s wild landscape—makes it both intriguing and endlessly drinkable.

Winemaker's Background:

Founded in 1966 by brothers Manolis and Sotiris Lyrarakis, Lyrarakis Wines has championed the revival of rare Cretan grape varieties. Now led by second-generation family members, the winery remains dedicated to sustainable and organic farming practices. Their pioneering efforts saved local gems like Dafni, Plyto, and Melissaki from extinction, allowing these distinctive varietals to flourish once again. Rooted in tradition yet forward-looking in environmental stewardship, Lyrarakis is a leader in Crete’s modern wine renaissance, creating expressive, terroir-driven wines that honor both land and legacy.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve well-chilled at 50°F to highlight its fresh herbal and citrus character. Perfect alongside fried small fish, seafood dishes like cuttlefish with spinach, white meats, and vegetarian fare such as pulses or pies filled with greens and aromatic herbs.

Bright, aromatic, and deeply rooted in the history of Crete, the 2023 Lyrarakis Psarades Vineyard Dafni offers a stunning glimpse into the island’s vibrant winemaking tradition.