Nicosia, Cyprus. Importers are increasingly shaping trade tastings around themes, often linking their wine selections with deli-style food pairings. A recent set of tastings featured several Cypriot wines across styles and regions.
Trade tastings and event themes
Trade tastings are increasingly framed around a concept intended to support and justify the event. Many are built around the wines importers represent, sometimes paired closely with deli food they may also provide.
2024 Vasilikon Winery Pithos, PDO Laona Akamas (ABV 12.5%)
Vasilikon Winery is focusing on amphora winemaking, using clay vessels to provide oxygenation without adding wood tannins. The Xynisteri is sourced from a single vineyard, Kampos tis Feizous in Arodes village, at 700 metres altitude, planted in 1920. Aged for six months in clay amphora, the wine shows a pale golden colour, with aromas described as white and yellow flowers, herbal and chamomile notes, earthiness, mineral stone fruit including apricot and peach, and dry pineapple, alongside honey, nutmeg and bergamot. The palate is described as oily with refreshing acidity and subtle tannins, with honey and white flowers, citrus and grapefruit, and spice notes including white pepper and ginger. Suggested pairings include roast pork with orange glaze or risotto with pumpkin, hazelnut and sage. It is described as limited and available at the winery, priced at €14.
2025 Symeon Winery Anna, White Varietal (ABV 13%)
Symeon’s new label features the indigenous Morokanella grape. The wine is made without oak ageing, with extended lees contact and exclusion of oxygen in stainless steel, described as aimed at protecting and concentrating aromatics and flavours and suitable for cellaring. Tasting notes include pear, passion fruit, peach, mango, nectarine and hints of citrus, Mediterranean herbs and spices, with thyme and white blossoms on the nose. Suggested pairings include grilled octopus, chicken salad with apricot, peach or mango, and baked herb-crusted salmon. Price is listed at €12.90.
2012 Kyperounda Winery Akti, PGI Lemesos (ABV 12.5%)
This rosé is described as primarily made from the indigenous Lefkada and Mavro, with at least 20% referenced. It is described as having a light peach hue reminiscent of rose gold. Aromas are noted as candied citrus developing toward lemon verbena leaves, while the palate is described as clean with red fruit notes, a tight and fresh midpalate, and a finish perfumed with a hint of pomelo. It is characterised as complex with depth. Suggested pairings include seafood and light dishes such as heirloom salads, fresh herb tabbouleh, grilled fish, or lamb skewers. Price is listed at €17.
2025 Tsiakkas Winery Mouklos Mavro, PGI Lemesos (ABV 14%)
This red is made from Mavro grapes grown at 920 metres near Pelendri village in sandy and volcanic soils from 80-year-old ungrafted vines, and it undergoes semi-carbonic maceration. It is described as deep garnet red and as cool, silky and precise. Notes listed include cherry, strawberry, blackcurrant and blackberry, field herbs and chocolate, with delicate spicy aromas and a touch of red roses. The palate is described as medium-bodied with a fine-grained texture and a mineral freshness in an emphatically dry finish. Suggested pairings include sharp cheddar on a toasted baguette and steak tartare. Price is listed at €10.
2022 Tsiakkas Winery Giannoudi, PGI Lemesos (ABV 13.5%)
A 2022 Tsiakkas Winery Giannoudi from PGI Lemesos is listed with an alcohol level of 13.5%.
Which of these Cypriot wines would you most like to taste at a trade event?
