Makaronous - Spourtiko, Pafos, Cyprus (2021)

TASTING NOTES

With a tiny amount of Spourtiko planted in the world (it's possibly only on Cyprus and there's only 10ha of it - oh, and it is ungrafted!) - this is a chance to taste something exceptional, and exceptionally niche. With lemon balm and marmalade, matchstick smoke, Mediterranean herbs, sea salt and tense, nervy acidity. Delicious. 

Spontaneous fermentation in stainless steel and aged for 8 months on the lees with twice weekly bâtonnage.

Spourtiko has a very short growing cycle and is thought to have only survived being ripped up in favour of other, more vigorous growing varieties because of its critical role supporting the pollination of a red grape, Maratheftiko, which is unable to self-pollinate.

This is from the only estate grower/producer on the island and from a single vineyard of ungrafted vines with an elevation of about 500m and limestone/clay soils. 

Theodoros Makarounas started the winery in 2016, after completing his studies in Oenology and Viticulture at UC Davis. Makarounas Winery has the privilege of being the only winery in Cyprus that produces wine solely from their privately-owned vineyards.

The family has a long tradition of farming and viticulture, they provide fruit to a considerable number of wineries in Cyprus. The winery produces wines mainly from the indigenous grape varieties of Cyprus and organic viticulture.