Which Cypriot red wines are the best or at least worth buying?

Cyprus has quietly carved out a distinguished reputation in the world of Mediterranean viticulture, with its red wines showcasing a compelling blend of ancient indigenous varieties and modern winemaking techniques. The island’s unique terroir—characterized by high-altitude vineyards, limestone-rich soils, and Mediterranean climate—creates distinctive red wines that deserve wider recognition among wine enthusiasts.

Key Takeaways

• Maratheftiko stands as Cyprus’s premier indigenous red grape, producing complex wines with remarkable aging potential
• The emerging Yiannoudi variety represents the future of premium Cypriot red winemaking
• Award-winning producers like Vlassides and Makarounas are elevating Cyprus’s wine reputation internationally
• Cyprus’s wine sector is receiving significant EU funding to modernize vineyards and promote native varieties
• The best Cypriot reds offer excellent value compared to similarly priced European counterparts

Indigenous Grape Varieties: The Foundation of Cypriot Excellence

Cyprus’s diverse wine regions cultivate several native grape varieties that form the foundation of its most distinctive red wines. These indigenous grapes have adapted to the island’s specific growing conditions over centuries, resulting in wines with character profiles found nowhere else in the world. Maratheftiko stands as the crown jewel of Cypriot red wine production. Despite accounting for only 7% of Cyprus’s vineyard area, it dominates the premium red wine category. This female variety requires co-planting with Spourtiko or Xynisteri for pollination, adding complexity to its cultivation. The resulting wines typically feature medium-to-full bodies (13-15% ABV) with enticing notes of dark berries, coffee, and Mediterranean spices.

Standout Maratheftiko Wines Worth Seeking Out

Several producers have mastered the challenges of working with Maratheftiko, creating exceptional bottles that showcase the variety’s potential. These wines represent the pinnacle of Cypriot red wine craftsmanship:

• Makarounas Maratheftiko 2021 (€25) – Aged 8 months in French oak, featuring sophisticated sour cherry and olive tapenade nuances with excellent structure
• Tsiakkas Vamvakada 2021 (€18) – A silver medal winner presenting blackberry and white pepper characteristics with balanced tannins
• Fikardos Maratheftiko (€17) – Awarded silver for its harmonious integration of smoky vanilla oak and jammy fruit profiles

Yiannoudi: Cyprus’s Rising Star Variety

Wine enthusiasts seeking cutting-edge Cypriot wines should pay attention to Yiannoudi, a rediscovered indigenous variety gaining significant traction. Constituting less than 1% of vineyards due to challenging pollination and low yields, Yiannoudi produces wines with striking characteristics that justify their higher price points. These thick-skinned grapes yield powerful wines with 14-15% ABV, pronounced tannins, and complex aromatic profiles featuring blueberry and distinctive spice notes. The variety’s natural concentration makes it ideal for premium bottlings with substantial aging potential. Standout Yiannoudi expressions include:

• Vlassides Oroman 2021 (€40) – A gold medal winner blending 85% Yiannoudi with Shiraz for sophisticated black cherry and tarragon complexity
• Oenou Yi Oíkade (€35) – A pure single-variety bottling that highlights cinnamon and tobacco notes unique to Yiannoudi

Award-Winning Cypriot Reds: Recognized Excellence

The quality of Cypriot red wines receives regular international validation through competitions. Recent highlights from the 2023-2024 Cyprus Wine Competition showcase the island’s most accomplished producers:

• Vlassides Oroman 2021 emerged as the highest-scoring red wine in the 2024 competition
• Kolios Shiraz 2020 continues as a persistent medalist with its distinctive plum and vanilla profile
• Aes Ambelis Maratheftiko Blend earned recognition for quality comparable to elite Bordeaux blends at a fraction of the price

These accolades confirm that top Cypriot wine brands can compete with established wine regions while maintaining their unique character and typically offering better value.

International Varieties with Cypriot Character

While indigenous varieties represent Cyprus’s most distinctive wine expressions, several producers create excellent wines from international grape varieties. These bottles often marry global styles with Cyprus’s unique terroir characteristics:

• Vlassides Shiraz (€22) combines peppery spice typical of the variety with Cyprus’s signature minerality from limestone-rich soils
• Zambartas Cabernet Sauvignon-Maratheftiko (€20) successfully marries Bordeaux structure with local herbal accents

These blends and single-variety wines provide accessible entry points for international wine drinkers new to Cypriot wines while still offering authentic island character.

Market Trends and Buying Considerations

The Cypriot wine sector is experiencing significant positive development, with €22 million in EU funding allocated for 2023-2027 to modernize vineyards and promote indigenous varieties. This investment coincides with a 25% increase in organic certifications since 2020, led by progressive producers like Tsangarides and Nelion wineries. When purchasing Cypriot red wines, consider these expert recommendations:

• Vintage matters – Maratheftiko typically reaches its peak drinking window at 5-8 years (e.g., Zambartas 2018 is currently showing beautifully)
• Food pairings – Match Maratheftiko with grilled lamb or mushroom risotto; pair Yiannoudi with beef Wellington or aged halloumi
• Aging potential – Premium Yiannoudi wines can evolve positively over 10+ years, making them suitable for cellaring

Proper Storage for Maximum Enjoyment

To preserve the quality of these exceptional Cypriot reds, proper wine storage is essential. The ideal conditions include consistent temperatures between 12-16°C (55-60°F), humidity levels around 70%, and protection from light and vibration. Premium Maratheftiko and Yiannoudi bottlings benefit particularly from proper cellaring, as their structured tannins and concentrated fruit profiles allow them to develop additional complexity over time. Even modest investment in storage can significantly enhance your enjoyment of these wines.

Emerging Producers to Watch

Several wineries are pushing the boundaries of Cypriot red wine quality and deserve special attention from discerning buyers:

• Makarounas Winery – Pioneering 100% estate-grown Maratheftiko with exceptional consistency
• Tsangarides Winery – Leading the organic Maratheftiko movement with wines priced around €22
• Nelion Winery – Revitalizing the obscure Ophthalmo variety with promising early results

These smaller producers represent the innovative spirit driving Cyprus’s wine renaissance and often offer excellent value compared to more established names.

Sources

Zambartas Wineries – The Rediscovery of Cyprus Grape Varieties Fikardos Wines – Cypriot Indigenous Grape Varieties Cyprus Alive – The 12 Best Wines of Cyprus Cyprus Mail – All About Maratheftiko Vinerra – Discover the Maratheftiko Grape