LYRARAKIS

2002  CUVEE GRANDE COLLINE

VARIETIES: Vilana, Sylvaner, Sauvignon Blanc

REGION: Peza District, Northeastern Crete

The Lyrarakis family has led the quality revolution in Crete’s highly promising Peza region, reviving ancient varieties using a modern approach to winemaking. The grapes in this wine are grown in the family's vineyards in the village of Alagni at 440 meters. Vilana is the most widely planted white variety in the region. Its soft, fruity character benefits by blending with the more acidic and complex sauvignon blanc and sylvaner varieties.

Tasting notes:

Subtle but complex flavors that blend green fruit and minerals with quiet acidity.

LYRARAKIS

2001  LAST SUPPER

VARIETIES: 80% Kotsifali, 15% Mandilaria, 5% Carignane

REGION: Peza District, Northeastern Crete

This wine represents a variation on the traditional cepage of this Cretan region. The acidic, aromatic kotsifali is typically blended with rich, tannic mandilaria in order supplement body and color. The Lyrarakis family adds a little carignane to round out the palate and add additional body.

Tasting notes:

Warm, spicy aromas, light body, mild cherry and dried fruit flavors and a soft, velvety mouth feel.

2003 SIGALAS SANTORINI

VARIETIES: 90% Asyrtiko, 5% Athiri, 5% Aidani

REGION: Santorini, Cyclades Islands

Santorini is one of the world’s most unique grape growing regions. A volcanic island in the Aegean, it has among the lowest naturally-constrained yields anywhere where wine is commercially produced.

Paris Sigalas is Santorini’s most highly regarded artisanal wine producer and the first on the island to adopt organic farming.

This wine from an exceptional vintage blends Asyrtiko, the only Mediterranean grape capable of both high alcohol and acidity, with small amounts of the aromatic Athiri and fruity Aidani. It combines classic European acidity with lemon flavors and elegant, round fruit.

2002 KIR-YIANNI AKAKIES ROSE

VARIETIES:             Xynomavro

REGION: Naousa, Makedonia

The Kir-Yianni estate was founded by Yiannis Boutaris, a fourth generation winemaker who had headed wine production for his family's company, the Boutari Group, one of Greece's largest producers, for over thirty years. In a separation designed to free himself to produce world-class  wines, Yiannis left, taking possesion of the Boutari's best Naousa vineyard in the village of Yiannakohori.

The Xynomavro ('sour black') variety has rustic, dried strawberry flavors, high acidity and strong tannin.

The Akakies rose is very dry. Extended controlled temperature skin contact allows the emergence of many red wine characteristics. It has aromas and flavors of fresh strawberries, tart acidity and mild tannin that gives the wine a serious edge.

2001 KIR-YIANNI PARANGA

VARIETIES:             Xynomavro, Agiorgitiko

REGION: Naousa, Makedonia

This cepage ameliorates the tannic Xynomavro with the mild Agiorgitiko (Saint George) grape from southern Greece. More tame and drinkable than most wines from this region, it has dark berry aromas, a dark berry and plum palate and firm structure.