Yiannoudi is one of several brought back from near extinction

With March 1 set as International Yiannoudi Day, the indigenous Cyprus grape is celebrated by oenophiles across the island in an initiative spearheaded by president of the Cyprus Friends of Wine Association Yiannoula Vassiliadou.

Many wine varieties have a particular day on which they are celebrated. Some are honored in just one country; others draw international recognition although not many of them are actually official. Most have been started by die-hard fans or wine companies who have used social media to help spread the word. Already in Cyprus we celebrate Maratheftiko Day on December 1 and Xynisteri on May 15.

Giannoudi is a rare grape variety found only in Cyprus. Its grapes are round, have thick skin and produce wines rich in colour, tannins and acidity. A typical Giannoudi has flavours of blackberries, dark cherry, blueberry and of spices like clove, cinnamon and star anise. Only few wineries produce Giannoudi and in small quantities. Cyprus is still rediscovering what this beautiful variety is capable of.

2020 Gerolemo Winery Yiannoudi Lemesos ABV 14%

Yiannoudi Limited Release is vinified by only the finest grapes from a premium vineyard owned by the family and aged in French oak barrels. It has a deep red colour, and as expected, is rich, concentrated and muscular. The nose has concentrated red and dark fruit, plum, wild berries, raspberry and boysenberries with nuances of spice, vanilla and liquorice. Well balanced on the palate, with tiers of cherry and plums with mouthwatering tannins, long flavours and an aftertaste that echoes more red fruit and dried ginger and herbal accents. It promises a long time in the bottle. €20

2021 Tsiakkas Winery Yiannoudi Lemesos ABV 13.5%

From vineyards in Kato Milos in the Krasochoria planted on sandy and volcanic soil, the wine is aged for 10 to 12 months in French and American oak. Deep ruby red colour, it exhibits a wide range of aromas, from red and dark berries, forest fruit, black pepper and spices. On the palate it is supple, full-bodied and elegant with remarkably enjoyable spice plum, cherries and sweet tobacco. Firm, creamy tannins frame a plush core of dark fruit with rich spicy notes. €25

2020 Oinou Yi Yiannoudi Oikade, Lemesos ABV 14%

This single-variety Yiannoudi vinification by Oenou Yi Ktima Vassiliades presents a dark, strong blue colour with crimson highlights and full body. Its aromatic profile is complex and deep, aristocratic, presenting aromas of ripe raspberry, dark plum and cherry, dark spices especially cinnamon, vanilla, caramel, berries and tobacco. In the mouth, delicious and equally rich, with flavours of berries, ripe cherry, notes of pepper and vanilla. Soft tannins and enhanced varietal complexity along with mouthwatering acidity for a pleasing and stimulating finish. €19

2021 Mallia Winery Yiannoudi, Lemesos ABV 13%, €17

Another Yiannoudi from the Krasochoria, kept for 12 months in oak. A bright drink of considerable finesse and allure. It is quite approachable now but will benefit from some years in the cellar. Elegant aromas of red currant, bright black cherry and plush plum offset the tannic structure, which is textbook, dry, dusty, vital and integral and up on the finish. Mallia winery prides itself on pioneering research into the rediscovery of Cyprus indigenous grape varieties that due to their scarcity were threatened with extinction.

2022 Dafermou Yiannoudi, Larnaca ABV 13.5%

Ageing for at least 14 months in French oak barrels with the potential for bottle ageing of up to 15 years. A small percentage of Syrah is added to the blend. A solid and chewy Yiannoudi, it is intensely red in colour with purple reflections. Dafermou Yiannoudi contains aromas of red fruit, blackberry and sweet spices that balance discreet vanilla, chocolate and wood notes. On the palate the wine is round and harmonious, polished tannins with persistent finish and sweet tannins. €16

2021 Vlassides Oroman Yiannoudi Lemesos, ABV 14.5%

Oraman, in Cypriot means vision, a dream. The cultivation of the Yiannoudi vineyards is especially demanding. The wine spends 12 months in used oak and since 2022 vintage Oroma is 100% Yiannoudi. It has a remarkable deep red colour with depth and finesse, scents from ripe plum, cherry, blackberry, and dry fruit of the forest, in combination with spicy notes of white pepper, vanilla essence, smoke and tobacco leaves. On the palate ripe berries, subtle spices, integrated tannins, moderate acidity and a lingering finish with sweet spice notes. €16

2022 Ezousa Yiannoudi, Pafos ABV14%

The powerful Ezousa Yiannoudi comes into the glass with dense crimson. After the first swirl, this red wine reveals a high density and abundance. The first nose presents nuances of plums, blackberry and forest fruits, earth and cedar with black and green pepper. The fruity notes of the bouquet are accompanied by notes of cask ageing such as black tea, spices and bitter chocolate. This red remains fresh and lively, with nervous tannins lingering on the finish. This is balanced, leaving an extended aftertaste of dark fruit and vanilla notes with a hint of bell pepper. €28

2021 Fikardos Winery Yiannoudi, Pafos, ABV 13.5%

All the vines grow in a vineyard close to the village of Choulou. After malolactic fermentation, the wine spends 11 months in French oak. This powerful wine has the typical Merlot aroma of cherry, plum and Mediterranean spices accompanied by a gentle oak aroma and liquorice. This is a bright red, medium-full bodied wine with a fresh berry aroma. Together, this produces a balanced wine perfectly integrated with the warm climate in the region. €24

2022 Makarounas Winery Yiannoudi Pafos ABV 13%

Only 2,000 bottles of this elegant wine are bottled at the family-owned Makarounas estate in Letymbou village. It is unfiltered and wild fermented. A red with a beautifully textured expression of Yiannoudi. Fresh and candied cranberries, cherry and raspberry notes on the fruit-forward palate are offset by mineral flavours. The long finish brings notes of clementines and fresh-squeezed lemon juice alongside velvety tannins. €20