Everything About Maratheftiko Grape
"mah-rah-THEF-tee-koh" 
Maratheftiko Description
Origin: Cyprus
History: Maratheftiko is an ancient red grape variety indigenous to Cyprus, known locally by several names, including Vamvakada, Vamvakina, Pampakia, Mavrospourtiko, and Aloupostaphylo. Traditionally, it was grown within vineyards of mostly Mavro grapes to improve the tint and body of Mavro-based wines. In the 1980s, with the revival of small boutique wineries in Cyprus, this variety was rediscovered, and its cultivation has been slowly increasing, offering a distinctive character to local wines.
Appearance: Medium to large berries with thick skins, exhibiting a deep blue-black hue when ripe.
Growing Traits: Maratheftiko is a vigorous variety but faces challenges due to its inability to self-pollinate, requiring co-planting with other varieties that flower simultaneously, such as Spourtiko or Xynisteri, to achieve fertilization and fruit development. This characteristic leads to inconsistent yields and susceptibility to millerandage, resulting in berries of different sizes and maturity levels. Despite these challenges, it is considered the best hope for Cyprus reds.
Food Pairing Maratheftiko's robust structure and complex flavor profile make it a versatile companion for rich, flavorful dishes. It pairs well with grilled meats, hearty stews, and aged cheeses. Traditional Cypriot dishes such as stifado (stewed rabbit with onions) and lamb kleftiko complement its depth and intensity.
Body
Sweetness
Tannin
Acidity
Alcohol
Medium to full-bodied with a robust structure, offering depth and complexity. Typically vinified dry, though it can exhibit ripe fruit characteristics. Moderate to high tannin levels, contributing to a firm and sometimes astringent mouthfeel. Medium to high acidity, providing balance and enhancing its aging potential. Moderate to high alcohol content, generally around 13-15%, contributing to its richness.
Black cherry 
Plum 
Violet 
Chocolate 
Coffee Maratheftiko wines are characterized by deep color and rich flavors of black cherry and plum, often accompanied by floral notes of violet. Oak aging can introduce additional layers of chocolate and coffee flavors. On the palate, they exhibit moderate to high tannins and medium to high acidity, offering a balanced and robust profile with good aging potential.
Regions
![[object Object] Region](/regions/cyprus.png)
Cyprus
•Pitsilia
•Paphos (Panayia, Ambelitis)
•Limassol
Notable Wines and Producers
Maratheftiko Single Varietal
•Zambartas Wineries
•Vouni Panayia Winery
Maratheftiko Blends
•KEO Winery
•Fikardos Winery
Maratheftiko FAQ
Cyprus
Maratheftiko has a body level of 3 out of 5. Which means that Maratheftiko is Moderate bodied.
Maratheftiko has a dryness level of 1 out of 5. Which means that Maratheftiko is Dry.
Cyprus
Maratheftiko is grown in Cyprus (Pitsilia, Paphos (Panayia, Ambelitis), Limassol).
Maratheftiko wines are characterized by deep color and rich flavors of black cherry and plum, often accompanied by floral notes of violet. Oak aging can introduce additional layers of chocolate and coffee flavors. On the palate, they exhibit moderate to high tannins and medium to high acidity, offering a balanced and robust profile with good aging potential.
Maratheftiko's robust structure and complex flavor profile make it a versatile companion for rich, flavorful dishes. It pairs well with grilled meats, hearty stews, and aged cheeses. Traditional Cypriot dishes such as stifado (stewed rabbit with onions) and lamb kleftiko complement its depth and intensity.
Maratheftiko wines are characterized by deep color and rich flavors of black cherry and plum, often accompanied by floral notes of violet. Oak aging can introduce additional layers of chocolate and coffee flavors. On the palate, they exhibit moderate to high tannins and medium to high acidity, offering a balanced and robust profile with good aging potential.