Lyrarakis Pirovolikes Vilana 2019 Crete

Lyrarakis was created in 1996 near the capital city of Heraklion and specialises in protecting and promoting indigenous grape varities. Pirovolikes is a single vineyard of 30-year-old bush vines of the local vilana grape variety grown at 650 metres altitude. Like a supercharged verdicchio, this comes on with fresh bay leaves, acacia honey, fennel and vibrant green apple and lemon zest. A rasp of phenolic texture adds gastronomic intrigue, guiding you towards a roasted fish on the bone, or perhaps a seafood risotto with dill, or maybe even a tomato salad - panzanella? Excellent value with a huge amount of flavour and personality for the price.