ROMSO Cyprus Knowledge Base

Xynisteri: A Native White Grape Variety of Cyprus

Xynisteri is a white wine variety known in viticulture primarily for its cultivation on the island of Cyprus. It is grown mainly on the southern slopes of the Troodos Mountains, where it accounts for approximately 13% to 16% of the area of vines planted on the island. This makes Xynisteri one of the most prominent grape varieties in Cypriot viticulture.

The main cultivation areas of Xynisteri are located on the southern slopes of the Troodos Mountains, with a significant portion of its vineyards situated facing south towards the mountain range. The variety is also known as Aspro Kyprou (Cypriot White) or Hebron Blanc in some regions. In addition to its native name, Xynisteri has been referred to by other names such as Cipro Bianco and Local White.

Xynisteri is a late-ripening grape variety, with the berries ripening approximately 30 days after those of Gooddel. This characteristic makes it stand out among other grape varieties in terms of its ripening period. The grapes are medium-sized, shoulder-shaped, and have loose berry clusters. They exhibit characteristics such as five-lobed leaf sheets, a conical to conical shape, and golden yellow berries.

The habitus (leaf structure) of Xynisteri is described by ampelographers as follows: the driving tip is open with bright green leaves that are only cobweb hairy; the shiny young leaves are hairless. The round sheets have five-lobed leaf structures, which can occasionally be seven or nine lobed. The stem bay is either lyrically open or closed, and the edge of the blade has a sharply sawn appearance.

Xynisteri is an indigenous grape variety grown primarily in Cyprus, with estimates suggesting that 33% of Cypriot vineyards on the southern slopes of the Troodos mountain range are planted with this variety. This makes Xynisteri one of the most prominent white grape varieties in the region. The variety has been used in the production of several wines and is highly valued for its unique characteristics.

In terms of synonyms, Xynisteri can also be referred to as Aspro Kyprou (Cypriot White), Cipro Bianco, Hebron Blanc, or Local White. Its cultivation on Cyprus dates back to ancient times, with records of the variety being used in traditional C