Archimandrita, Cyprus. A drive to Mystes Winery for a tasting highlights the landscape around Archimandrita village and the vineyards that shape the estate’s wines. Winemaker Loucas Papaloucas describes his work as a long-term journey guided by the site’s terroir.
Setting and approach
The route to Archimandrita passes pine forest, wind turbines and surrounding vineyards. Papaloucas says he is closely connected to the village and its vineyards, and that each vintage brings different colours and flavours, shaping the experience of cellar work.
Winemaking philosophy
Papaloucas followed his father into winemaking while adopting a style that combines classic and contemporary techniques. His approach pairs modern equipment and detailed processes with hands-on, minimalistic methods, aiming to produce wines that express the land’s terroir, with fruit and soil characteristics leading.
He says the vineyards determine the direction a wine will take and that working year after year in the vineyard helps identify how each site best expresses itself. He aims for wines that are fruit-driven with good structure, balancing the region’s powerful fruit with an elegant style.
Tasted wines and releases
The tasting included new vintages currently available on the market.
2025 Mystes Winery Chardonnay, PGI Pafos, ABV 13%
For vinification, the grapes are pressed using a pneumatic press loaded with whole bunches, with only free-run juice used. Fermentation is carried out at low temperature with selected yeast to retain varietal character. The wine is matured with fine lees for six months, with 80% aged in oak barrels.
The Chardonnay is described as rich and radiant, with aromas including nectarine, lemongrass, pear blossom, white peach, citrus and caramelised pineapple. On the palate, it is described as silky, with white peach, lemon zest and vanilla, finishing bright and zesty. Suggested pairings include lighter meats and buttery dishes such as Caesar salad, prawn saganaki, halloumi and mint ravioli, or fettuccini Alfredo with chicken and light cream. Price: €17.50.
Orange Xynisteri from Archimandrita vineyards
An orange Xynisteri from Archimandrita vineyards is described as wild-fermented and unfiltered, produced with three to four weeks of skin maceration and aged on lees. Aromas are described as fresh cut grass, herbal notes, orange blossom, lemon, yellow apple and tropical jackfruit. The palate is described as moderately tannic, with dried citrus peel, tea and preserved apricot over a yeasty, textured profile and a grapefruity finish. Suggested pairings include aperitifs, Asian cuisine and cheese platters. Price: €24.
2022 Mystes Winery Promara, P.G.I. Pafos, ABV 13%
The tasting list also included 2022 Mystes Winery Promara, P.G.I. Pafos, ABV 13%.
Which of these Mystes Winery releases would you most want to taste?
