I already knew that Greece makes some really good wines. But now I was given the chance to find out that Cyprus, this Island-country were one half is populated by Greek-speaking citizen has also nice wine to offer.
Oskar went there for a short journey and had the opportunity to try some wine on-site. I was very happy he thought of me and brought a bottle back home for me. And the other evening I felt it was time to give it a try.
This “Island Vines”, as it is named, is assembled by SODAP, a cooperative whose goal it is to: “produce modern fruit-driven wines from both indigenous and international’ grapes”.
This wine is made of 6 different varieties of which one, Mavro, is indigenous. The other 5, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, Grenache, Mattaro (Mourvèdre) and Alicante Bouschet (a French hybrid) represent the new international taste. After reading the label, which also featured plenty of nutritional information including wine drinking advice for pregnant women, I prepared myself to taste some heavy fruit-bomb which is the kind of wine being called modern and international these days.
But I was mistaken. Actually I was about to discover a truly pleasant wine. It had a beautiful ruby red and shining colour with a lighter rim. Its nose was floral and fruity reminding violets and berries. On the palate, it was again very fruity and charming, without being overwhelming. In the end it also had a nice little capsicum flavour maybe pointing out the cabernet inside. At the same time it had very discrete but round tannins working in the background and giving the whole construct structure.
This was then a very successful blend. It was fruity and had enough power to transmit southern European feeling, and at the same time it wasn’t overwhelming (It hasn’t seen any wood b.t.w.). A true discovery which makes you want to explore Cypriote wine even more! Thanks again Oskar for that nice bottle!