{"title":"Greece | Crete","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/files\/Crete_Banner.jpg?v=1711355264\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs one of the most significant wine making regions, Crete has been an incremental part of the new age of Greek wine. With numerous endemic grape varieties, a size that makes it the most important island in Greece in terms of wine production, a very complex topography as well as being an extremely popular tourist destination, Crete is a driving force towards a great future for Greek wines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost of the vineyards of Crete are located in the eastern section of the island, particularly its northern side which benefits from the northerly and northeasterly sea winds. The viticultural industry is experiencing brisk growth, making the island one of the most significant and dynamic terroirs of Greece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe mountain ranges of Lefka Ori, Idi and Dikty traverse Crete, featuring several dozens of summits, forming large plateaus and gorges, and creating an endless diversity of terroirs where the local varieties of Vilana, Kotsifali, and Liatiko thrive alongside a plethora of other native and international cultivars. The Cretan climate is particularly hot and dry, with sunshine for 70% of the year and little rainfall during the summertime (less than 2 inches). However, these conditions are mitigated by sea winds and high altitudes. These factors have facilitated the adaptation of vines in Greece’s and Europe’s southernmost region (latitude: 35º north). The majority of soils are clay and limestone, with a high proportion of clay in many sites.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"lyrarakis-voila-assyrtiko","title":"Lyrarakis Vóila Assyrtiko 2024","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Lyrarakis family discovered the quality potential East Crete had to offer in the early 1970's. Originally planting on the “Vóila” plain and subsequently extending into the surrounding area they have developed exceptional vineyards where superb grape variety Assyrtiko thrives. The 2024 Vóila Assyrtiko displays complex aromas of citrus and white fleshed fruits with subtle hints of ginger. The marvellously ripe grapes give this wine a crispy and rich mouthfeel with a mineral and chalky character. [#intro]Wonderfully fresh, with crisp apple, stone fruit and hint of ginger...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Lyrarakis","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":32210356273219,"sku":"A24LYRARAKISVA-1","price":15.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/products\/VoilaAssyrtiko.jpg?v=1596873356"},{"product_id":"lyrarakis-liatiko-kedros-rose","title":"Lyrarakis Liatiko Kedros Rosé 2024","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis Cretan Rosé produced by Lyrarakis is made from the indigenous grape variety Liatiko, sourced from pre-phylloxera vines grown at altitudes exceeding 800m on the foothills of Mount Kedros. A delicate pale salmon in colour, it displays a wonderful array of summer berry aromas and floral notes. The palate is lively, beautifully balanced with a degree of richness underlined by notes of minerality.[#intro]Superb Cretan Rosé made from pre-phylloxera Liatiko grapes grown on the foothills of Mt. Kedros...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Lyrarakis","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":31790891237443,"sku":"A24LYRARAKISROSE-1","price":17.75,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/products\/Rose_d3bac162-6181-459a-bd38-7709d7dce56e.jpg?v=1590652186"},{"product_id":"lyrarakis-aggelis-liatiko","title":"Lyrarakis Aggelis Liatiko 2021","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Lyrarakis Aggelis vineyard was planted in the 1930s with native rootstocks of the Liatiko grape, and highlights the authenticity and wealth of eastern Crete. It is here that low yields lead to small grapes, of exceptionally high berry density, which are then vinified, almost uncrushed, in open 9 year-old oak vats. Respect to natural micro-flora that defines fermentations, the wine was made with no temperature control, no fining, no cold treatments and bottled with the minimum of sulphur (less than 40ppm). Light red in colour this Liatiko red wine displays complex aromas of berry fruits and mature cherry with a hint of floral and earthy tones. The palate is balanced and full with fresh acidity, rounded fruit tannins and a firm, intense aftertaste.[#intro]A rare red wine full of flavour and character made from the local Cretan grape Liatiko...[\/intro] \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Lyrarakis","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39478300082243,"sku":"A21LYRARAKISLIATIKO-1","price":22.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/products\/Aggellis.jpg?v=1596879228"},{"product_id":"lyrarakis-vidiano","title":"Lyrarakis 'Queen' Vidiano 2025","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Lyrarakis 'Queen' Vidiano is a dry white wine made from 100% Vidiano grapes grown in the Heraklion area of central Crete. Pale yellow in colour this Vidiano displays aromas of apricot and citrus with hints of blooming herbs. The palate is velvety and full of texture with a strong presence of ripe fruit and minerality to finish. [#intro]A wonderful dry white Cretan wine made from the local  Vidiano grape...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Lyrarakis","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39329295958083,"sku":"A25LYRARAKISVIDIANO-1","price":15.75,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/files\/VidianoQueenBt.jpg?v=1711357199"},{"product_id":"lyrarakis-kotsifali","title":"Lyrarakis Kotsifali Red Queen 2022","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe red grape variety Kotsifali is indisputably a classic of the vineyard of Crete. Spices and red fruits with an elegant mouthfeel and a piquant aftertaste are the characteristics of the wine which is produced from vineyards situated at 500m. altitude. Enjoy it together with dishes of the mediterranean cuisine, baked meat and spicy cheeses.[#intro]Zesty dark fruits, touch of spice, fruity tannins \u0026amp; fresh light piquant finish...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Lyrarakis","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39478294380611,"sku":"A22LYRARAKISKOTSIFALI-1","price":14.75,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/files\/KotsifaliBt.jpg?v=1699004000"},{"product_id":"oenops-vidiano","title":"Oenops Vidiano 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003eGrapes for the Oenops Vidiano are sourced from old vineyards in the mountainous area of Heraklion in Crete. At 600 metres above sea-level the diurnal temperature differences influence the vines, with the warm summer days building concentrated flavours and then when the evening temperatures drop, the refreshing natural acidity accumulates in the grapes, resulting in wines of great balance. The grapes are hand-harvested during the cool of the night and transported by a refrigerated truck, via a ferry, to the winery. Once at the winery, slow spontaneous fermentation took place with wild yeasts, in four different types of vessels, made from four different elements: clay amphorae, concrete tanks, 600-litre large barrels and stainless steel tanks, imbuing the wine with impressive complexity and depth. To make this wine, no less than 18 different vinifications took place. Once fermentation was complete, the wine was aged for six to nine months in amphorae and concrete tanks, in order to preserve the purity of fruit, with a small percentage in old, large barrels. The wine was bottled unfiltered to retain its purity and elegance. This is quintessential Vidiano with abundant citrus notes and white floral, herbal and mineral overtones. Creamy and layered with a lively freshness and flavours of stone fruit, lime and subtle spice. [#intro]Quintessential Vidiano from Crete, that's creamy \u0026amp; layered with a lively freshness...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Oenops Wines","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41058981969987,"sku":"A23OENOPSVIDIANO-1","price":22.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/files\/VidianoBt.jpg?v=1711352258"},{"product_id":"lyrarakis-vidiano-ippodromos-2023","title":"Lyrarakis Vidiano Ippodromos 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Lyrarakis Vidiano Ippodromos is a single vineyard white wine made from the very promising Cretan grape variety Vidiano. All the grapes are hand-picked and at the winery, midway through fermentation, the wine was racked into new 600-liter and 2-year-old Austrian oak barrels. The spontaneous alcoholic and malolactic fermentation lasted approximately 2 months. The wine remained in oak for an additional 4 months and had a natural stabilisation (no fining and no cold treatment). On the nose this wine displays all the aromatics of Vidiano: ripe apricot and peach, but also mango, pineapple compote, hints of candied coconut and a touch of sweet spicy notes. The palate is rich and full-flavoured with creamy stone fruit, balanced by crisp acidity, a viscous mouthbeel, and a long aromatic aftertaste. [#intro]A creamy and round organic wine, with intense stone fruit aromas \u0026amp; spicy notes...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Lyrarakis","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54910677909885,"sku":"A23LYRARAKISVIDIPP-1","price":21.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/files\/VidianoIppodromosBT.jpg?v=1732659577"},{"product_id":"karavitakis-winery-vilana-vidiano-white-wine","title":"Karavitakis Winery Vilana Vidiano 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis white wine from the Karavitakis Winery is a blend of Vilana (65%) and Vidiano (35%), both indigenous Cretan grape varieties. The Vilana imparts refreshing lemony acidity whilst the Vidiano component adds ripe peach and apricotaromas, rich body and a creamy taste. [#intro]Refreshing lemony acidity, ripe peach \u0026amp; apricot aromas with a bold creamy finish...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Karavitakis Winery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55992893014397,"sku":"A23KARAVITAKISWHITE-1","price":14.75,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/files\/VilanaVidianoWhiteBT.jpg?v=1746730970"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/collections\/Crete_Fortezza_Fortress_Image.jpg?v=1711355323","url":"https:\/\/hic.wine\/collections\/greece-crete.oembed","provider":"Hic!","version":"1.0","type":"link"}