Lyrarakis Psarades Vineyard Plyto PGI Crete

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Zippy citrus and tropical fruit aromas start this robust white made from a nearly extinct ancient variety. The palate is rife with ripe pear, pineapple and lemon. Great acidity and structure with a clean finish. Susan Kostrzewa

(2018) Lyrarakis is arguably the best producer on the island of Crete, and champion of the indigenous grape variety Plyto. It's another crystalline, delicate white, a style that Greece can do so well in places like Santorini, floral-touched apple fruit, apple blossom perhaps, with an intriguing aromatic spiciness too. In the mouth it has quite a full, slippery textrue, a background of river stone minerality and plenty of fresh orchard fruits that are dry and savoury, an apple-core acidity to finish. Most certainly a fish (oily fish or firm white fish) or seafood banker.

This indigenous Cretan white displays lovely aromas of exotic tropical fruits and spice. On the palate, an appealing interplay of ripe citrus fruit and toast gives the wine a layered character. Not overly complicated but a unique glimpse into an ancient variety.

Pale straw colour, fresh nose of grass, herbs, lime and lemon zest with a fresh palate, lighter weight but good length and vibrant young fruit flavours.

(2012) Plyto is a Cretan variety that was at one time the best-known grape of the island, though its plantings have been in steep decline. Family vine-grower Manolis Lyrarakis has preserved and nurtured the variety quite extensively on the family estate. Fine, if slightly generic nose with lemon and a touch of pear and apple fruit, but clean and inviting. Very dry on the palate, underripe apple and lemon dominate here too, but it is very nicely pitched, with some weight on the mid-palate and the cool, clear core of pithy acidity pushing the finish along.

The soft but exotic nose of tropical fruit and citrus leads into an elegant array of mouthwatering citrus and tropical fruit on this wine. Rich but lively on the finish, it's a classy sip for a warm-weather patio party.