Makarounas Vineyards was founded by Theodoros Makarounas in 2016, building on his family’s long history of grape growing. Located in the Letymbou village of Pafos, Cyprus—which is the island’s largest wine region—Makarounas Vineyards is unique in that it operates exclusively on an estate model. This means they produce wine only from their own vineyards, contributing to their notable success in the industry.
The vineyards are phylloxera-free, featuring ungrafted vines, some of which are over a century old. The farming practices are organic, with a diverse soil composition ranging from crystalline gypsum to limestone and quartz. The wines produced here are characterized by their notably low pH levels, typically between 2.9 and 3.1.
Makarounas Vineyards has an annual production of 110,000 bottles, with 55% allocated for export, including sales through The Wine Society in the UK.
The Wines
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Makarounas Vineyards Spourtiko 2023 Cyprus: With 10.5% alcohol, this wine is harvested in late October or early November, whole-bunch pressed, and fermented in stainless steel. It offers a lean, bright, and pure profile with a slightly saline and mineral character. Rating: 93/100 (£21 The Wine Society)
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Makarounas Vineyards Aerides Xynisteri 2023 Cyprus: At 12.5% alcohol, this wine showcases the Xynisteri grape. It undergoes wild fermentation in stainless steel, resulting in a juicy and bright character with crisp citrus and apple notes. Rating: 93/100 (£17.50 The Wine Society)
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Makarounas Vineyards Amphora Promara 2022 Cyprus: Featuring the Promara grape, this wine involves a week of cold maceration before being aged in amphorae for five months. It has a stony mineral core complemented by earthy and waxy notes. Rating: 93/100
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Makarounas Vineyards Minthy Rosé 2023 Cyprus: Made from Lefkardia, this rosé is stony and lively, enhanced by a hint of sugar for added texture. Rating: 89/100
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Makarounas Vineyards Maratheftiko 2020 Cyprus: Aged for a year in barrel with 25% new oak, this wine features pure, fresh cherry and spice flavors, along with raspberry notes. Rating: 93/100
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Makarounas Vineyards Yiannoudi 2021 Cyprus: Fermented in open barrels and aged for 1.5 years in old oak, this wine boasts a lovely balance with cherry, almond, and raspberry notes, supported by good acidity. Rating: 94/100
For further details about the winery and its offerings, visit their official website or the UK agent Bancroft.