ROMSO Cyprus Knowledge Base

Xynisteri

Xynisteri

Overview

Xynisteri is a white wine variety native to Greece and cultivated in Cyprus. It is one of the main grape varieties grown on the island, with approximately 16% of the planted vineyard area dedicated to its cultivation.

Characteristics

In ampelography, the habitus of Xynisteri is described as follows:

* The driving tip is open.
* The young leaves are bright green and hairless.
* The round leaves are five-lobed (rarely seven- or nine-lobed) and medium-low booked.
* The stem bay is lyrically open or closed.
* The edge of the blade is sharply sawn, with tight teeth compared to other grape varieties.
* The leaf surface is blistered rough.

Viticulture

Xynisteri grapes are grown on the southern slopes of the Troodos Mountains in Cyprus. It is often paired with the Mavro (‘black’) variety Kypreiko to produce the well-known dessert wine Commandaria.

Distribution and Plantation Area

According to various estimates, Xynisteri accounts for approximately 13-16% of the planted vineyard area on the island of Cyprus. The exact percentage may vary depending on the source, but it is clear that Xynisteri is one of the main grape varieties grown in Cyprus.

References

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