Good reason to fall in love with the island

Platres is known as one of the most beautiful villages in Cyprus, a mountain resort where you can escape the heat of summer, walk nature trails and enjoy good food and hospitality. Locals there were making wine for hundreds of years but little was known about it. The Lambouri family was making wine for 350 years but it wasn’t until 36 years ago when Lambouri winery released its first vintages under the family name and harvesting their own grapes that it was known outside the region.

The current owner of the Lambouri winery is Roland Wig, who grew up in Germany, worked in Cologne and then moved to New York and then London. He visited Cyprus on the invitation of his future in laws, and not only fell in love with the island and its people but also the small winery owned by Chris Lambouris. Once he tasted the wines – there were four on the market – he decided to take the opportunity. It was a big challenge; Cyprus wine was not known outside Cyprus, and it needed quite a bit of investment. Roland knew that this winery had the potential to develop. Like the Cyprus wine industry as a whole, it was a hidden diamond. 

The winery’s vineyards are situated on the southern slopes of the Troodos mountains at an altitude of over 1,000m above sea level. The vineyards, shaped like an amphitheatre on white limestone soils of volcanic origin are planted with both imported and local varieties. These include the indigenous Xynisteri and Mavro, Lefkada and Maratheftiko as well as imported Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah.

The winery’s current production includes several wines and a signature Commandaria. It experiments with different varieties, allocating micro-terroirs that suit each variety in the best way. The main focus is on local grape varieties because they are unique and best express the terroir of the region. Many of their wines have a story to tell which is important for the promotion of the wine.

Lambouri is the only winery in the world that is allowed to produce the biblical wine Ya’in Kafrisin, a kosher wine blessed by the Rabbi. This is a continuation in the tradition stretching back to the service in the Holy Temple 2,000 years ago and further back to the receiving of the Torah on Mount Sinai 3,300 years ago.

The winery produces 200,000 bottles of dry wine and 125,000 bottles of sweet wine, both of which have received numerous awards. It also produces well-aged Commandaria, gin, brandy and whisky. Recently we tasted the Lion Spirit line at the winery’s new wine bar.

2023 Lion Spirit Seaside Dream Xynisteri, ABV 12.5%

This high altitude Xynisteri has a light yellow colour with greenish tint, and shines with aromas of nectarine, lime and grapefruit zest, herbs, freshly cut grass and almonds. There are hints of stone fruit and white flowers too. More stone fruit, grapefruit peel, wet stone and high-toned acidity takes shape for a clean mouthfeel in this medium-bodied, dry white. It makes it an ideal accompaniment to a wide range of salads, goat cheese, grilled fish and shellfish as well as chicken dishes. €10

2023 Lion Spirit Summer Blush Grenache Noir Rosé, ABV 12.5%,

The brilliant pale pink-salmon hue coupled with opulent floral and melon aromas make this wine super inviting. Palate entry is fresh and silky smooth texturally. Flavours include strawberries, white peaches and watermelon. The brilliant harmony and balance combine to make it a great warm weather refresher as well as an amazingly versatile food pairing wine. Take it to that summer picnic, pair it with your favourite cheese plate or seafood dish. €12

2022 Lion Spirit Crimson Sky, Red Blend, ABV 13.5%

The 2022 vintage delivers a bewitching blend of blueberry, boysenberry and black plum. These are added to with lavender, truffle, cocoa and smoked meats. A bright, vibrant palate offers generous flavours of black cherry, cranberry, crème de cassis and pomegranate. Lingering accents of blueberry and raspberry round out this elegantly balanced wine. €10

2022 Lion Spirit Ambelisimo Mavro and Maratheftiko ABV 14%

Fresh and focused rich black cherry and mulberry, ripe red currant, raspberry and floral flavours reveal Maratheftiko as the backbone to this blend, after which fresh red and red cherry with black pepper spice show the Mavro component. Medium-bodied, fresh, fruity acidity balances the tannins. Excellent with grilled meat but enjoyed it with braised lamb shoulder with fennel and orange. Fennel helps to accentuate the earthiness in the wine while the orange helps mellow out the spice and mineral notes with a hint of sweetness. €15

2007 Lambouri Winery Maratheftiko, P.G.I. Lemesos, Abv 13%

This has a distinctly Cabernet-ish nose with great colour, cassis, ripe fig and dry cherry, cola and spice, and some vanilla and smoky aromas. Blackberry jam on the palate still with some dried fruit and liquorice, broad flavours and complexity, the tannins are big and it shows its Cabernet influence. Long vanilla finish, orange peel and cocoa. Drink now with grilled T-bone steak with Portobello, braised short ribs or roast leg of lamb. €29

1991 Apolonia Commandaria PDO, ABV 13%

Fortified Commandaria with a deep golden amber colour exuding fine balance and complexity. Its sweet and nutty fruitiness is balanced, while integrated fortified alcohol and freshness provide for an uplifted finish. Aromas of dried fruits, raisins, caramel and chocolate. Its prolonged five year ageing allows for a very nice blend of Mavro and Xynisteri. Well-balanced, this is a perfect companion after dinner. €55 (50cl)

Lambouri Winery Kato Platres, 25 422525