Lyrarakis, Liatiko Red PGI "Queen"

Greece, 2023

A quick glance through our list will tell you we’ve got a soft spot for Greek wines. A big reason for that is Lyrarakis. It was on a trip to visit them with a group of colleagues that my eyes were properly opened to the treasures of Greek wine—particularly from the island of Crete.

Lyrarakis are champions of reviving ancient varieties and farming with care, and their wines (and hospitality) are some of the most memorable I’ve come across. You could argue there’s a Lyrarakis bottle for every occasion, but for many of us on that trip, it was Liatiko that really stuck.

Pronounced Li-at-i-ko, this is a juicy, delicate red with notes of rose petal, wild strawberry, and a flick of spice. It’s light-bodied, low in tannin, and just the sort of wine you can pop in the fridge for a short chill before serving. A laid-back, charming wine that’s hard not to love.