Petritis Kyperoundas Estate Xynisteri 2024 Cyprus

The Xynisteri variety, pronounced (Sin-ees-ter-ee), is a native grape to the island. These indigenous grapes are grown on the southern slopes of the Troodos Mountains, in some of the highest vineyards in Europe. The plots sit on rocky terraces, where the soils are made up of sandy clay. Due to the altitude of the vineyards, Kyperounda invariably harvests approximately one month later than vineyards at half their elevation and the long hang time results in concentrated flavours in the fruit, while preserving refreshing acidity.

The gravity-fed winery is built on three levels and is designed for the gentlest possible handling of the grapes and wine. The grapes underwent 10 to 12 hours skin contact pre-fermentation maceration, depending on the temperature of the grapes. Vinification took place in stainless steel tanks to maximise the purity of the fruit. The wine did not go through malolactic conversion in order to retain freshness and enhance the mineral character. 20% of the wine was then matured in new oak for two months, adding subtle oak complexity to the final blend.

Caroline Gilby MW wrote in wine-pages.com: "Without the benefit of altitude, Cyprus would simply be far too hot and dry, so vineyards usually start around 500m and go up as high as 1500m, possibly the highest in Europe. At these heights cool nights help keep vital acidity and aromatics in the grapes. This is especially important in the flagship white Xynisteri (whose name actually translates as “lacks acid”), which is the second most planted grape. At Kyperounda Winery, where even the winery is at 1100 metres, natural acidity gives Mina the option to do a partial barrel and lees ageing, resulting in possibly the island’s best Xynisteri – named Petritis".

In September 2021 Decanter wrote "The Xynisteri grape offers vibrant aromas: zingy citrus, fresh peach, green herbs. The palate calls to mind fresh sliced lemons squeezed over white stones; crisp with electrifying acidity. Subtle oak adds texture. A superb Chablis alternative."