Makarounas Vineyards Aerides Xynisteri

Makarounas Winery is a family winery located in the beautiful village of Letymbou, a region with a long tradition in vine growing. Letymbou is located 14 kilometres east of the city of Pafos, on the west coast of Cyprus, and the Makarounas family have a viticultural history dating back four generations in the region.

Theodoros Makarounas started the winery in 2016, after completing his studies in Oenology and Viticulture at UC Davis, with the support of his parents Kostas and Eleni, and his two brothers Dimitris and Stelios. He strongly embraced the belief that good wine is made in the vineyard; thus, particular attention is paid to the notion of terroir.

Xynisteri,

The vineyards cover 25 hectares of land, with new plantings added every year. They are located at an altitude of 400 – 600 metres above sea level. There is a strong Mediterranean influence here as well as considerable rainfall. The combination of surrounding hills, the crystal gypsum, limestone and quartz rich soils, along with the uninterrupted exposure to the winds of the valley, are moderating factors in the local mesoclimate.

Makarounas Winery has the privilege of being the only winery in Cyprus that sources grapes solely from their privately-owned vineyards. The family has a long tradition in viticulture and to this day still provide fruit to a considerable number of wineries around Cyprus. The quality of the fruit and production is overseen by Theodoros and he produces terroir driven, distinctive, and top quality wines. The winery produces wines of ample power but with excellent drinkability, with a focus on indigenous grape varieties of Cyprus and organic viticulture.

Grapes are harvested from beginning to end of October.

Pre-fermentation maceration at low temperatures. Spontaneous fermentation in stainless steel tanks. The wine stays in contact with fine lees for approximately 4 months. Total sulphites at bottling 40 to 60 ppm.

An overall balanced white from one of the most planted varieties of Cyprus, Xynisteri. A vibrant, lively wine, with a saline edge and crisp apple, pear and guava flavours. Firm acidity throughout and a pleasant zesty grip.

This wine is a clear match for Mediterranean seafood and vegetable dishes. Pair with fish like salt-baked sea bream or cod with olive oil and capers, cheeses like an aged halloumi or young goat's cheese, vegetables like stuffed zucchini flowers or grilled artichokes, and mezze such as taramasalata, hummus, dolmades, olives and flatbreads.