Lefkada
Cyprus · Red · Limited (B)
Very deep colour and formidable tannin and acidity — used in small proportions to give backbone to Mavro and Maratheftiko. Its status as “Cypriot” is debatable: it appears to be the same variety as, or very close to, Vertzami from the Greek island of Lefkada, which would make it a historic import rather than a native. Zambartas has championed it as a varietal wine, where it needs malolactic fermentation and careful oak to be approachable.