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There is something about the number 7. It deals with magical forces, the esoteric, scholarly aspects of magic, a mystery. When it comes to Cyprus wine though there is no mystery, perhaps just the magic. The number 7 is prominent on the labels of the newly founded Photiades Oinopoiitiki Winery.

7 Playies (slopes) is the name given to four of the wines – two whites, a rosé and a red – which are joined by the new white Aelios and the red Selana. The vineyards are situated in the Kamanterena region of Stroumbi in Paphos. After the eight-year success of Kyperounda winery, Photiades Oinopoitiki aims to create wines that are far from safe and conventional. These wines are innovative, with different expression to most Cyprus wines. To achieve innovation, the oenological experience of the House of Boutari from Greece came in handy with advice on winemaking protocols, along with the expertise of the Kyperounda Winery team, which supervises the harvest and all facets of production until bottling. The wines are produced, aged and sometimes bottled at SODAP’s Kamanterena winery.

The thinking behind this new venture is to use the expertise of the Kyperounda winery – a winery that cannot expand production much further - and take advantage of quality Paphos vineyards. The result was six new wines on the Cyprus market.

2008 7 Playies, Xinisteri, Photos Photiades Oinopioitiki, Pafos Regional, abv 12%

Pale, a bit lime green in colour or pale straw with a touch of green, whatever you prefer. The wine has lifted, fresh flower aromas especially jasmine, some tropical as in mango, peach and Granny Smith apples along with rosemary. This is a very nice ‘sweet’ nose with a touch of freshly cut grass. The palate and flavour profile is greener apple, some pineapple and peach with some lemon zest, light in body, dry and crisp with some juicy green melon. The acidity is still alive, making this wine refreshing and mouthwatering. Enjoy it with green salad with goat cheese and grilled chicken served with spinach rice. €5.25

2008 7 Playies, Xynisteri – Moscato, Photos Photiades Oinopioitiki, Pafos Regional, abv 12%

This is a medium sweet wine, for those who like sweetness in their wine and to complement Asian cuisine. Indeed, the use of Moscato grape is spreading and the grape itself is becoming more acceptable to consumer balance. Yellow with a touch of green, succulent and grapey first, flowery with some lemon grass, then sweet aromas leap from the glass, honeycomb and lavender, ripe pink grapefruit and bergamot, the Xynisteri prevents the Moscato aromas and flavours from cloying. Xynisteri keeps its characteristics, Moscato adds the intensity and there is fine acidity in this wine with a spritz, keeping the wine clean and bright. Asian restaurants take note. €5.25

2008 Aelios, Photos Photiades Oinopioitiki, Pafos Regional, abv 12.5%

This is a promising blend of Xinisteri, Semillon and Chardonnay and a blend that never – to my knowledge - has happened before. Part of the blend is also kept in oak barrels for four to six months, adding more body and complexity to the wine. It has a medium yellow colour, lemon-lime. Aromas and flavours, green apple and herb notes. There is a good intensity and focus, with terrific acidity, bright and crisp, dry and medium bodied. Some grapefruit and white peach flavours add to the fruit complexity. The partial ageing in oak adds a softening touch of cream. It is a very good partner to seafood, grilled oily fish and seared scallops with light cream sauce, creamy pastas or pork medallions. €8.50

2008 7 Playies Rosé, Photos Photiades Oinopioitiki, Pafos Regional, abv 12.5%

This is a great deal, one of my favourites from the line. All rosés are gateways to bigger and better things in my experience; rosés like this promote thinking about tannins and acidity, and the lack of residual sugar as positives. The colour of a red rose petal, roses on the nose too with some freshly picked raspberries and strawberries. Surprisingly, I found some kiwi too. Not too tart but an amount of acidity that begs for food. Once you get it to soften, the wine reveals a refreshingly dry palate with a raspberry and rose flower finish. This rosé will handle more than being drunk as an aperitif or with fruit, try also with creamy pasta with seafood or oriental chicken and seafood dishes. €5.50

2008 7 Playies, Mourvédre – Syrah, Photos Photiades Oinopioitiki, Pafos Regional, abv 13%

This Rhône-inspired wine was made to be immediately enjoyable but will also improve and gain complexity over the next two years. Based on two of the three main Rhône varieties – the other being Grenache – this wine is a deep ruby red with a purplish hue, clear and dense colour. The nose has clean red cherry aromas and hints of raspberry but none of the bramble or tobacco aromas you get in Mourvédre grape. There is lots of spice and pepper from Syrah. Clean palate, some herbs and more sweet spice and black pepper, medium body with crisp acidity to balance the tannins. Ideal for lamb chops or roast duck, it also suits pasta with meat sauce. €5.50

2007 Selana, Maratheftiko – Syrah, Photos Photiades Oinopioitiki, Pafos Regional, abv 13%

An unusual blend but worth the try. Both the indigenous Maratheftiko and the French Syrah varietal are aged for 12 months in oak barrels. With a dark, deep, ruby colour, the wine is loaded with smells of pepper and black fruit on the nose. Some nutmeg and cloves appear but in a part-time role along with earth, espresso and smoke – the result of the time spent in barrels. On the palate the wine is dry, medium to full body, smooth and accessible tannins; a bit grapey but it shines with very approachable flavours of dark cherries, white pepper, red fruit and a peppery finish. Enjoy with dishes such as roast lamb or suckling pig and vegetable ragout or simply with Grana Padano cheese, Gruyere type cheese as well as Kefalotyri and Gouda. €8.50