Lyrarakis, Vilana "Queen" PGI 2024

Get to know: Lyrarakis, Vilana “Queen” PGI Crete 2024

A vibrant, characterful Greek white wine from the high-altitude vineyards of Crete.

Tasting Note

Lyrarakis Vilana “Queen” is a dry white wine that really showcases the potential of the Vilana grape, one of the great indigenous varieties of Crete. It’s fresh and expressive, with plenty of citrus and white-fleshed fruit backed by a gentle herbal twist and a softly creamy texture. Mid straw in colour with inviting aromas of lemon peel, white peach, blossom and wild Cretan herbs. On the palate, this Cretan white wine is crisp and lively, packed with juicy stone fruit and bright citrus, balanced by a rounded edge from partial malolactic fermentation. It finishes long, fresh and mouthwatering, with a subtle savoury note that keeps you coming back for another sip. A brilliant example of modern Greek white wine that combines vibrancy with texture.

Top food pairings:

• Grilled octopus with lemon, olive oil and oregano
• Courgette fritters with tzatziki and fresh herbs
• Spinach and feta spanakopita or other Mediterranean vegetable pies

Kate Says

Lyrarakis have done so much to put indigenous Cretan varieties like Vilana back on the map. You can really taste the care here – from the organic vineyards at altitude to the gentle winemaking that lets the grape speak for itself. In the glass, it’s fresh, textured and quietly confident – the sort of white you happily pour again and again.

Producer Info

Lyrarakis is a family estate in central Crete, renowned for championing rare and indigenous Cretan grape varieties. Working with organically farmed vineyards in the Alagni area at 600 metres above sea level, they focus on expressing the island’s unique terroir – warm Mediterranean sunshine balanced by cooling mountain breezes. Their approach blends tradition with careful, modern winemaking to produce precise, characterful wines that truly reflect Crete.

How it’s made:

• Varieties: 100% Vilana
• Hand-harvested in late July and early August to retain freshness and natural acidity
• 83% whole-bunch crushed with around 7 hours of skin contact for added texture and aromatics
• Fermented at 16–19°C in stainless steel, with 40% using indigenous vineyard yeasts
• 66% underwent malolactic fermentation for a soft, creamy edge; suitable for drinking over 1–3 years

Good to know:

• Region: PGI Crete, Greece (Alagni, central Crete)
• Style: White, dry, fresh and textured
• Closure: Cork
• Vegan: Yes
• ABV: 12.5%
• Vintage: 2024

Why we love it:

This high-altitude Greek white wine from Crete delivers bright citrus, ripe stone fruit and that distinctive herbal lift you only find in Vilana. Organic, vegan and packed with personality, it’s a versatile, food-friendly white that brings a taste of the Mediterranean straight to your table.