Marathos Syrah 2021

Syrah vines are planted at over 1000 metres altitude in vineyards amongst native Marathos (wild fennel) herbs, creating a wonderful bio-diverse ecosystem.  The altitude, exceptional Plagiogranite soil and magnificent growing conditions all combine to create very high-quality grapes full of flavour, depth and complexity.  In the winery, the grapes are cold-soaked before whole-berry fermentation and ageing in French and a little American oak. 

Winemaking
Pre-fermentative cold-soak
Whole-bunch fermentation
Cap management: pump-overs
MLF: In Stainless Steel

Produced by Marathasa Wines

Tucked away in Marathasa valley, Marathasa Wines is the result of one man's dream and plenty of grit. John Papadouris, a former civil engineer, envisioned restoring the valley's winemaking heritage, a vision carried forward by his daughter Alexa, her husband Andrew, and their cousin Stavros, with the help of the vine guru Victoras. Marathasa's mountainsides have hosted vineyards for generations, with family traditions including stomping grapes in home wine presses. John's family history was soaked in wine, as his grandfather traversed the trails with donkeys laden with wineskins filled with Marathasa's prized wines. The decline of the mountain wine trade in the mid-20th century spurred Marathasa Wines' mission to acquire and rejuvenate abandoned vineyards, preserving traditional methods while introducing modern techniques. Today, they're not just making great wine but also contributing to Cyprus' burgeoning fine wine community, blending history with innovation, one bottle at a time.

Learn more about Marathasa Wines

Tasting Notes

This is a very fine Syrah with the classic characteristics of ripe black fruit and spice. There are deep and intense layers of black cherry, blueberry and black plum alongside pepper, liquorice and mint. The tannins are generous, ripe and finely grained, adding a majestic structure to the wine. It is already developing flavours of cigar box, leather and savoury. The oak is very well integrated into the wine adding texture, complexity and toast. Round, medium grain tannins. Very long finish.