Nicosia, Cyprus. Cy SOMMS has established May 15 as International Xynisteri Day, adding to a calendar of grape variety celebration days that has been gaining momentum internationally. The group cited the role such days play in promoting grape varieties among winemakers, sommeliers, writers, and wine consumers.
International grape days and Cyprus initiatives
The source text says many wine grape varieties are celebrated on specific days around the world, with some observed in only one country and others gaining international recognition. It says these days give winemakers and marketing teams, wine lovers, and sommeliers opportunities to share interest in specific varieties, including through menu pairings, as well as providing wine writers and bloggers a moment to revisit and present a variety to readers.
Cy SOMMS selected May 15 for International Xynisteri Day, encouraged by International Maratheftiko Day on December 1. The text adds that, alongside Xynisteri and Maratheftiko, Giannoudi is now celebrated on March 1.
Xynisteri’s role in Cypriot wine
The source text describes Xynisteri as the predominant white grape variety of Cyprus. It says it is used to make light white wines using standard white wine vinification, fermented in controlled-temperature stainless steel tanks.
It also says recent years have brought a wider range of styles, including Xynisteri kept for several months on lees, spontaneous or wild fermentations, ageing in oak or acacia barrels, orange wines, single-vineyard expressions, and sparkling wines made using both traditional and pet-nat methods. The text adds that, with the Mavro grape variety, it is used to produce Commandaria, and that it is part of the grape pomace used to distill Zivania.
Vineyard adaptation and tasting descriptions
The text cites World’sBestWines.eu as saying the Xynisteri grape is loosely packed with medium-sized clusters and berries, is well adapted to Cypriot vineyard climates and calcareous soils, and is resistant to powdery mildew.
It says Xynisteri thrives on limestone-dominant Cypriot terroir and that the best vines appear to be planted at high altitude. It cites a Wine Searcher blog description that the variety can produce minerally wines with aromas of fruit and nuts and flavours of lemon, peach and white plum, and that oak can bring spicier, nuttier tones. The text adds that vertical tastings indicate Xynisteri can age.
Featured wines
The source text lists “2025 Kolios Winery Persefoni, P.G.I. Pafos, ABV 13%” as a Xynisteri from high-altitude vineyards mainly from the Panayia region, described as a Xynisteri-based dry white with translucent yellow colour and a greenish hue, with fruit aromas and a light to medium body. The text describes flavours and aromas including passion fruit, grapefruit and white peach, hints of green herbs, lemon blossom and elderflower, and notes grapefruit bitterness, crisp acidity and an herbal finish. It is described as suitable as an aperitif or lunch wine and priced at €8.80.
It also lists “2025 Vasilikon Xynisteri, PGI Pafos, ABV 12.5%” as maritime influenced, described as light yellow with a greenish tint and aromas including nectarine, lime, grapefruit zest, herbs and freshly cut grass, with hints of stone fruit and white flowers. The text describes stone fruit, grapefruit peel, wet stone and high-toned acidity, with green apples on the finish, and says it can accompany a wide range of dishes. It is priced at €8.
Which Xynisteri wine style are you most interested in trying on International Xynisteri Day?
