Lyrarakis, Kedros Liatiko Rose 2025

Get to know: Lyrarakis Kedros Liatiko Rosé 2025

A distinctive Greek rosé wine from the mountainous vineyards of Crete, made from rare old-vine Liatiko.

Tasting Note

Lyrarakis Single-Vineyard Rosé is an elegant, savoury rosé with loads of character and freshness. Pale rose in colour with delicate aromas of citrus peel, wild red berries, dried Cretan herbs, winter flowers, and a subtle hint of sweet spice from oak ageing. On the palate, this is structured yet refreshing, balancing vibrant acidity with salty minerality and a gently chalky texture. The Liatiko grape brings bright red fruit flavours and a lifted herbal edge, finishing with a long, citrus-driven aftertaste that feels both refined and incredibly drinkable. This is a more serious style of rosé wine that really shines at the table.

Top food pairings:

• Grilled red mullet or sea bass with lemon and herbs
• Garlic prawns and shellfish dishes
• Tomato and feta salad with oregano and olive oil

Kate Says

"We adore the wines of Lyrarakis and love the work they do, highlighting their native Cretan grape varieties. This uses the Liatiko grape and is the sort of rosé that makes you stop and pay attention. It’s salty, herbal and quietly complex -the kind of bottle that transports you straight to a taverna by the sea."

Producer Info

Lyrarakis Wines was founded in Crete in 1966 by brothers Manolis and Sotiris Lyrarakis and is now run by the second generation of the family. The winery has become one of the leading names in Greek wine thanks to its dedication to preserving indigenous Cretan grape varieties, including several rescued from near extinction. High-altitude vineyards on Mount Kedros, combined with cooling winds and poor loam soils, help produce wines with freshness, concentration, and a strong sense of place. Sustainability sits at the heart of their philosophy, with organic farming practices and regenerative vineyard management shaping the future of their Cretan wines.

How it’s made:

• Varieties: 100% Liatiko
• Old bush-trained vines grown at 850m altitude on Mount Kedros in Crete
• Short skin contact of around 2 hours for delicate colour and texture
• Spontaneous fermentation using wild yeasts at cool temperatures
• Matured for 2 months in large 600-litre oak foudres for subtle spice and complexity

Good to know:

• Region: Kedros Vineyard, Rethymnon, Crete, Greece
• Style: Dry rosé wine, elegant and mineral
• Closure: Cork
• Vegan: Yes
• ABV: 14.1%
• Vintage: 2025

Why we love it:

This high-altitude Greek rosé wine offers something completely different from the usual poolside pinks. The combination of old-vine Liatiko, mountain freshness, and savoury minerality makes it a brilliant food wine - especially with seafood and Mediterranean dishes. If you enjoy textured, characterful rosé from distinctive regions, this Cretan rosé is well worth discovering.