Koilani, Cyprus. Winemaker Sophocles Vlassides of Vlassides Winery in Limassol’s Koilani has pursued technological and sustainable approaches to winemaking while working with indigenous and international grape varieties. The winery has produced Assyrtiko-labelled wines under PGI Lemesos following vineyard plantings that began in 2016.
Winemaking approach and varietal focus
Vlassides has been a driving force at Vlassides Winery since 1998 and is associated with a diverse portfolio of wines. Shiraz is described as the winery’s leading variety and the one that established Vlassides, alongside a wider range of local and international varietals.
Interest in Greek indigenous varieties
Vlassides expressed admiration for two Greek indigenous varieties, Assyrtiko and Agiorgitiko. Assyrtiko, from the Cyclades, is described as a white variety that produces dry wines, including versions aged in oak, as well as sweet wines made from sundried grapes, and is noted for its ability to grow in hot, dry conditions while maintaining crisp acidity. Agiorgitiko is described as a red grape variety that can produce styles including rosés, young dry reds, oak-aged reds, and concentrated sweet wines.
Assyrtiko planting in Cyprus
Vlassides considered planting Assyrtiko for several years, citing its suitability for Cyprus’ poor soils and its ability to withstand hot climate and drought while retaining high acidity. The venture began in 2016 with a single vineyard planted with Assyrtiko. The Cypriot sandy-limestone soil is described as giving the grape characteristics used to create a mature white wine that remains for two years in the bottle and can develop further with ageing.
Released wines and listed details
A 2021 Vlassides Winery Assyrtiko, PGI Lemesos, with 13.5% ABV, is described as having a light-yellow colour, high acidity and a mineral taste, made with 80% stainless steel and 20% fermented and aged in oak for seven months. The 2021 vintage is described as showing stronger oak notes than younger vintages, with flavours including melon, green pear, lime, yellow plum, apricots and vanilla, along with Mediterranean flowers, herbs and ash notes, and it is described as pairing with lean fish and shellfish and being available only from the winery.
A 2022 Vlassides Winery Pelagitis, P.G.I. Lemesos, with 13.5% ABV, is described as bone dry, crisp, salty, fresh and aromatic, with a light-yellow colour and aromas including meadow flower, yellow orchard fruit and citrus, minerality, honey and oaky notes, and is described as pairing with oysters, with a listed price of €19.
A 2023 Vlassides Winery Pelagitis, P.G.I. Lemesos, with 13% ABV, is listed without further tasting details.
Which of the listed Vlassides Winery Assyrtiko or Pelagitis releases would you be most interested in trying?
