Lyrarakis Assyrtiko Voila

Lyrarakis Assyrtiko Voila is a dry white from eastern Crete, made from 100% Assyrtiko grown near Sitia at around 580 metres above sea level. It has bright citrus and white-fleshed fruit, with hints of ripe peach, fresh herbs and chalky minerality. The palate is full-flavoured yet crisp, with a salty freshness and a long, mineral finish. The grapes are hand-harvested and fermented in stainless steel, with some skin contact adding texture and a subtle grip. It’s a distinctive expression of Assyrtiko away from its better-known home on Santorini.

Lemon, Lime, Ripe Peach, Green Apple, Fresh Herbs, Chalk, Saline Finish

Contains sulphites.

• Oysters and shellfish • Grilled sea bass • Pork with celery • Feta and lemon salad

Assyrtiko is most closely associated with Santorini, but Lyrarakis has shown how well it can thrive on Crete too. The Voila vineyard lies near a medieval settlement of the same name in the island’s far east. The vines grow in loam at around 580 metres, are trained low to the ground and are not irrigated. Lyrarakis began exploring the potential of eastern Crete’s vineyards in the 1970s, helping establish Assyrtiko as a serious variety well beyond Santorini.