Indigenous & International Varieties
Uncovering the unique terroir and flavor profiles of Cyprus' native grapes.
Altesse
Altesse or Roussette is a white French wine grape variety found primarily in the Savoy wine region of France. It yields small harvests and ripens late but is resistant to grey rot. Wines made from Altesse have exotic aromas, often together with citrus and herbs, and have good acidity.
Kanella
Kanella is an extremely rare native Cypriot red grape variety. Named after its subtle notes reminiscent of sweet cinnamon, this variety yields delicate yet distinct red fruit profiles with low tannin extraction.
Lefkada
Lefkada technically originated in Greece but has been cultivated in Cyprus for so long that it is considered part of the island's heritage. It is a demanding variety during vinification, yielding deeply colored wines with intense red fruit aromas, firm tannins, and high acidity.
Maratheftiko
Maratheftiko (also known as Pampakina) is widely considered the flagship red variety of Cyprus. It produces full-bodied, deeply colored wines rich in floral, blackberry, and dark chocolate notes.
Mavro
Mavro, meaning "black" in Greek, is the most widely planted indigenous grape variety in Cyprus. It forms the core backbone of the world-famous dessert wine Commandaria alongside Xynisteri.
Morokanella
Morokanella is a rare white variety yielding rich, aromatic wines with bouquets of citrus blossom, white peach, and fresh herbs accompanied by refreshing acidity.
Ophthalmo
Ophthalmo is characterized by its large, round berries resembling eyes. It yields light-bodied red wines with subtle red fruit aromas and mild tannins.
Promara
Promara is an early-ripening white indigenous variety with thick skins that provide natural resistance to Mediterranean heat. It crafts medium-bodied wines with notes of stone fruits and melon.
Spourtiko
Spourtiko is a light white grape with thin skins. Historically interplanted with Maratheftiko to facilitate cross-pollination, it produces light-bodied, low-alcohol wines with fresh floral and citrus aromas.
Xynisteri
Xynisteri is the premier indigenous white grape variety of Cyprus. Thriving in high-altitude mountain soils, it yields crisp white wines with bright acidity, lime, citrus blossom, and distinct mineral tones.
Yiannoudi
Yiannoudi is a revived native red variety offering intense ruby color, rich tannins, and aromas of wild Mediterranean herbs, wild berries, and pepper.