Lyrarakis Vidiano “Queen” PGI Crete 2025

Get to know: Lyrarakis Vidiano “Queen” PGI Crete 2025

A beautifully expressive Greek white wine from Crete made from 100% Vidiano.

Tasting Note

Lyrarakis Vidiano “Queen” 2025 is a dry white made with a top class native Cretan grape variety. If you enjoy the ripe peachy charm of Viognier but like the freshness and zip of Sauvignon Blanc, this sits right in that sweet spot. Pale straw in colour, it opens with aromas of white peach, apricot and a sprinkle of Mediterranean herbs, with a gentle citrus twist in the background.

On the palate, this Greek white wine from Crete feels juicy and rounded, with plenty of stone fruit flavour balanced by bright acidity that keeps everything lively. There’s a soft, almost velvety texture, followed by a subtle mineral edge on the finish – a little reminder that these vines grow high up in the hills above Heraklion. It’s generous without being heavy, fresh without being sharp – a really satisfying, well-balanced white.

Top food pairings:

• Grilled sea bass or prawns with lemon and herbs
• Chicken in a creamy tarragon or mushroom sauce
• Mediterranean vegetable dishes such as stuffed courgette flowers

Kate Says

"Lyrarakis are brilliant at this sort of thing – they’ve done more than most to show that Crete can produce proper, characterful whites, not just holiday sippers. I love how this Vidiano balances generosity with freshness. It’s got a ripe, peachy charm and it’s a great example of modern Greek winemaking: confident, expressive and seriously good with food."

Producer Info

Lyrarakis is one of the trailblazers of modern Cretan wine, helping to bring native grapes like Vidiano back into the spotlight. Based in the Heraklion area, they work with hillside vineyards at around 550 metres above sea level, where cooler nights help the grapes hold onto their freshness. The focus is always on showing off Crete’s character – ripe fruit, natural balance and that subtle mineral thread that runs through the best wines from the island.

How it’s made:

• Varieties: 100% Vidiano
• Hand-harvested in early August to lock in freshness and natural acidity
• Destemmed and gently crushed, with 4–12 hours of skin contact for extra flavour and texture
• Fermented in stainless steel tanks at cool temperatures (16–17°C) to preserve fruit character
• No oak ageing, keeping this PGI Crete white wine bright, pure and food-friendly

Good to know:

• Region: Heraklion, Crete, Greece (PGI Crete)
• Style: White, dry, medium-bodied
• Closure: Cork
• Vegan: Yes
• ABV: 13.15%
• Vintage: 2025

Why we love it:

This Greek white wine from Crete is a brilliant way to discover Vidiano – think ripe peach and apricot with a fresh, citrusy lift and a gentle mineral finish. It’s distinctive yet easy to enjoy, and incredibly versatile with food, whether you’re serving seafood, creamy chicken dishes or simple Mediterranean veg.