Elevate your Easter feast with local Cypriot wines recommended by sommelier George Kassianos, including robust reds like Syrah and Maratheftiko to pair with lamb, oaky whites from Xynisteri grapes, and a sweet Muscat for dessert. Start your celebration with a refreshing rosé and experience the diverse selection of quality Cypriot wines perfect for the joyous occasion.
What are the best Cypriot wines to pair with Easter dishes?
For a perfect Easter feast in Cyprus, sommelier George Kassianos recommends robust local red wines like Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Maratheftiko, and Yiannoudi to pair with lamb. Alternatively, oaky white wines from indigenous Xynisteri or Promara grapes, and a sweet Muscat for dessert, complement traditional dishes beautifully. Starting with a refreshing rosé is also encouraged amidst the warm Cypriot spring.
Easter in Cyprus is a time of joyous celebrations, and what better way to complement the holiday feasting than with some of the island’s finest wines. George Kassianos, a well-regarded sommelier, recommends pairing the traditional Greek Orthodox Easter dishes with local Cypriot wines for an enhanced springtime dining experience.
A Toast to Tradition with Local Varietals
The mainstay of Easter lunch in Cyprus is lamb, a dish that pairs sublimely with the robust flavors of local red wines. Varietals such as Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Maratheftiko, and Yiannoudi, all vinified on the island, offer spicy and dark red notes that complement the rich taste of lamb beautifully. For those who prefer white wine, the island’s oaky whites, including those made from the indigenous Xynisteri or Promara grapes, stand as excellent alternatives. To top off the meal, a sweet and aromatic Muscat from Cyprus will bring a delightful finish to the Easter feast.
With Easter typically occurring in early May and the Cypriot weather leaning towards the hotter side, starting the celebration with a refreshing rosé is not only acceptable but encouraged.
The Tapestry of Cypriot Wine Selections
In recent years, Cypriot wineries have been gaining acclaim for their quality productions, and Easter offers the perfect opportunity to experience these wines.
2023 Kathikas Winery Omma Sauvignon Blanc
Hailing from the Pafos region, the 2023 Kathikas Winery Omma Sauvignon Blanc is a testament to the winery’s expertise. Possessing a straw-yellow color with greenish highlights, it boasts a bouquet that includes melon, passion fruit, freshly cut grass, and herbs. Its finish is characterized by an invigorating acidity, inviting you to indulge in another glass.
2021 Kalamos Winery Allios
The Kalamos Winery Allios is a classic example of an aged Xynisteri, also from the Pafos region. It presents a bright yellow hue with complex notes of ripe stone fruit, yellow apple, and passion fruit, rounded off with a hint of savoury spice and vanilla. The body is full, with a crisp freshness that makes it a worthy companion to lamb dishes.
2023 Zambartas Winery Promara
From the village of Lasa in Paphos, the Zambartas Winery offers a 100% Promara, a long-forgotten white grape variety that is now gaining popularity. The 2023 vintage is a pale straw color with green highlights and brings a savory, floral character to the table. Notes of fresh herbs, grapefruit rind, and beeswax meet a medium body with a supple texture, perfect for sipping while the Easter lamb roasts.
2022 Tsangarides Winery Angels Organic Rosé
A collaboration between Angela Muir MW and Angelos Tsangarides has produced the Tsangarides Winery Angels Organic Rosé. Dominated by Maratheftiko with a touch of Xynisteri, this dry wine captures the essence of Cyprus’s warm climate. Expect a delightful mix of peach, white cherry, and wild raspberry aromas, harmonized with Cyprus Montagne herbs.
Exceptional Reds to Savor
For red wine enthusiasts, Cyprus does not disappoint with its varied offerings that promise to elevate the Easter dining experience further.
2019 Ayia Mavri Winery Lefkada
While Ayia Mavri Winery is renowned for its sweet Muscat, its dry reds, such as the Lefkada, are equally impressive. The wine’s bright character is enhanced by a year in oak, revealing a complex range of aromas, including florals, fruits, and spices. Elevated acidity and medium tannins provide a fresh and rich palate.
2022 Askon Art Wines Black Widow
The Askon Art Wines Black Widow is a blend of Yiannoudi and Maratheftiko, presenting an intense yet elegant profile. Its ruby-red color precedes aromas of dark fruits and an earthy undertone. The palate is robust but refined, with a lingering finish of berry jam, cedar, and sage.
2021 Kyperinos Winery Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot
A royal ruby color with a touch of purple on the edge, the Kyperinos Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot blend charms with classic aromas and a mixture of fruits and spices. Its sumptuous palate is both savory and bright.
2018 Evangelou Commandaria
Closing the list is the distinguished Evangelou Commandaria, hailing from Ayios Constantinos. This wine sports a rich chestnut color and offers a delicate yet complex aroma profile. Notes of dried fruits and a hint of spice create a refreshing balance in this opulent wine, perfect for a festive occasion like Easter.
Which local Cypriot red wines are recommended for pairing with lamb on Easter?
For pairing with lamb on Easter, sommelier George Kassianos recommends robust local red wines like Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Maratheftiko, and Yiannoudi. These wines offer spicy and dark red notes that complement the rich taste of lamb beautifully.
What are some of the oak-aged white wines from Cyprus that can be enjoyed during Easter celebrations?
For those who prefer white wine, George Kassianos recommends oaky white wines from indigenous Xynisteri or Promara grapes. These wines offer a crisp freshness and complex notes that make them a perfect companion to traditional Easter dishes.
Can you recommend a sweet wine from Cyprus to enjoy with dessert on Easter?
For dessert on Easter, sommelier George Kassianos suggests a sweet Muscat from Cyprus. This aromatic wine will bring a delightful finish to the Easter feast and complement the sweetness of traditional Easter desserts perfectly.
Why is starting the Easter celebration with a refreshing rosé wine recommended in Cyprus?
With Easter typically occurring in early May and the warm Cypriot weather, starting the celebration with a refreshing rosé wine is not only acceptable but encouraged. A refreshing rosé sets a festive tone for the meal and pairs well with the springtime atmosphere in Cyprus.
