A taste of two wineries
Papaioannou Winery
Last year, Vasa Koilaniou’s Papaioannou Winery created two new labels, the Petra white and red. Both are blends, young and fresh easy-drinking wines.
2023 Papaioannou Winery Petra, Varietal, ABV 13%
A blend of about 70% Xynisteri and the rest with Spourtiko and Malaga. The wine is harmonious and fresh, demonstrating the potential of the local varieties and the aromatic Muscat of Alexandria (Malaga). Pale yellow colour with green hues. It opens with generous aromas of citrus and exotic fruit such as pineapple and green melon, white peach and apricot, white flower, herbs and some traces of honey emerge. Soft on the palate, it has a velvety feel in the mouth, with a long, satisfying aftertaste thanks to its acidity, structure and flavours. A good aperitif or served with green salad with nectarines and chevre, fritto misto mare, dips or vegetable risotto. €8.50
2023 Papaioannou Winery Petra, Varietal, ABV 13%
Mataro is the dominant grape in this blend with a small percentage of the Greek variety Agiorgitiko and the local Maratheftiko. Young and fresh, luscious blackcurrant, cherry and plum with gentle floral, ground pepper and earthy spice. The fruit-driven palate is rich but with acidity aplenty, and a fistful of muscular, spicy tannins. Enjoy this red slightly cooler now in the summer with anything on the BBQ. €8.50
Contact: Papaioannou Winery, Vasa Koilaniou, Tel: 99 608247. Distributed by WineVault
The Anama Concept
Anama is an exclusive wine brand, a collection of wines designed to target the international palate. The Anama Vintages, the brand’s signature project, is the result of their study on Cyprus’ tradition and terroir, also taking in the modern concept of quality and design. They do reflect the uniqueness of the historical wine culture of Cyprus.
The Anama concept was created by jewellery designer Kristina and oenologist Lefteris.
The Anama Cellar, as I found out myself when I visited recently, is hidden in a pine forest just outside the village of Lythrodontas. It is a contemporary construction, influenced by Cyprus’ provincial architecture and the concept of modern design. It is structured to ergonomically accommodate the needs of the specialised winemaking methods applied for the production.
2023 Anama Xynisteri, Varietal, ABV 12.5%
Gentle and persuasive, light and crisp, a fresh Xynisteri with light yellow colour. Medium intense nose with notes of fennel and fine herbs, some green apple and pear, along with tropical fruit and citrus in the background. On the palate is cheerful marked by its varietal character. The subtle final bitterness gives a long, fruity and balsamic aftertaste. Ideal to enjoy alone or paired with shellfish, fish and even exotic food. €23
2022 Anama Xynisteri – oak fermented ABV 13%
Fermented and matured in 1000lt oak barrels for a few months, it has a golden colour with bold aromas of ripe pears, peaches and notes of lemon peel, freshly cut green and mixed herbs. Creamy texture in the mouth with pronounced minerality and toasted notes from the oak ageing make this Xynisteri truly spectacular. Enjoy with linguini and crab, grilled sea bass or roast chicken. €28
2023 Anama Light Rosé, ABV 12%
A light rosé, a result of Xynisteri and Maratheftiko blend, a crisp rosé with a brilliant salmon pink colour. It has an expressive nose of little red berries, wild strawberries, red cherries, watermelon and black peppercorn. On the palate it has a fleshy texture, in balance and in line with the nose. Good acidity provides a tense finale, fine, fruity, easy-drinking rosé. Enjoy with light salads and pastas as well as spiced chicken and fish and my favourite prawns with ouzo and courgette. €23
2023 Anama Dark Rosé, ABV 13%
A deep ‘red type’ rosé, a blend of two red grape varieties Maratheftiko and Agiorgitiko fermented in French and American old barriques. It displays aromas of pomegranate, citrus, spring flowers, iodine, jasmine and crushed stones, followed by a beautifully defined texture, a fleshy core of fruit and smokiness that underpin a delicate, well-delineated and calcareous finish. It’s going to drink nicely in its youth, but I suspect it will also age gracefully over the next two to five years. It goes well with grilled lamb, burgers, sausages grilled over an open flame or roast duck. €28
2023 Anama Young Red, ABV 13%
A blend of Maratheftiko, the Greek Agiorgitiko and Lefkadha, it has a pure ruby colour, with aromas of roses, black olives, blueberry, blackberry, rosemary and thyme leadinig to a light to medium-bodied palate that is round, balanced, mouth-filling and well-structured, with soft tannins and lingering flavours of flowers, herbs and dark fruits. There is a freshness and balance here that is irresistible. Pair with grilled meats and a backyard paella. €28
2022 Anama Agiorgitiko – Oak Matured, ABV 13%
The colour is bright, deep morello cherry-red. The nose reveals aromas of blackberries, raspberries and ripe strawberries with just a touch of tobacco and spices such as clove and cinnamon. The finish is moderately long, dominated by red fruits and followed by sweet vanilla and black pepper. A rabbit stew is just perfect with this Agiorgitiko as well as Moussaka or pork souvlaki. €35
The Anama Concept Lythrodontas – Tel: 96 239482, distributed by Vinologie