Ελληνικά
Lys is a red wine expression inspired by the Cypriot vineyard and the Greek viticultural heritage.
Its name derives from the Ancient Greek word for lion, a symbol of strength and nobility, and refers to Nemea, the historic birthplace of the red grape variety Agiorgitiko.
In our vineyards in Koilani, soil composition and climatic conditions closely resemble those of mountainous Nemea, creating an ideal ecosystem for the expression of Agiorgitiko. Altitude, temperature variation and the balance between sunlight and cooling breezes lend the fruit intensity, depth and structure.
The distinctive character of the grape has allowed us to craft a red wine that is powerful and commanding, with a full body and firm yet finely integrated tannins—qualities worthy of the symbolism of the lion.
The wine is aged for 12 months in barrel and continues its evolution for a further three years in bottle before release. It is bottled unfiltered, preserving its authenticity and complexity. It shows excellent ageing potential, exceeding 15 years.
Serving temperature: 18°C, to fully reveal its structure, depth and dynamic character.
LYS
Varieties:
100% Agiorgitiko
Soil Composition:
Sandy Clay Loam
Vinification:
Harvest takes place in early September. Phenolic extraction may be extended through to the completion of alcoholic fermentation, depending on the level of phenolic ripeness of the grapes in each vintage.
Following the completion of both alcoholic and malolactic fermentation, the wine is aged for 12 months in French oak barrels of second, third and fourth use.
Organoleptic Characteristics:
- Appearance: Medium to high intensity ruby colour.
- Aromatic Characteristics (Nose): Medium to high intensity, clean and expressive. Aromas of red and black fruits, such as ripe cherry and plum, are combined with sweet spices (cinnamon, clove), cedar notes and subtle vanilla. Gentle earthy nuances add depth and complexity.
- Palate (Flavour and Texture): Dry, with medium to high acidity and medium to high tannins, ripe and well integrated. Medium to full body with high alcohol, well balanced within the structure. On the palate, flavours of cherry, plum and dried fruits are repeated, supported by chocolate, spice notes and subtle oak influence. The texture is slightly richer and more earthy, reflecting the effects of ageing and unfiltered winemaking.
- Finish: Long, with persistent fruit-driven and spicy character.
- Ageing Potential: Shows excellent ageing potential exceeding 15 years.
Harvest Information 2020:
| Ethanol: | 15,8% Vol |
| pH: | 3,42 |
| Total Acidity (H2SO4): |
4 g/l |
| Reducing Sugars: | 1 g/l |
| Rainfall: October until July |
900 mm |
| Harvest Temperatures (Μ.Α.) Lowest: Highest: |
17,5°C – (9/2020) 33,7°C – (9/2020) |
2020 Harvest:
2020 was characterised by a relatively mild winter. However, the temperatures that prevailed during the winter months affected the phenological stages of the vineyard (bud burst, flowering, veraison, maturation) which delayed their progression and for this reason harvest begun during the 3d week of August.
The total amount of rainfall in our area reached 850mm of rain, with 75% taking place between December of 2019 and January of 2020. The drought that followed, which started in mid-spring and continued until the harvest period, along with the absence of intense hot weather and with optimal viticultural care, helped to produce perfectly healthy grapes with excellent ripening.
The average temperature in August was 25.5°C, favouring the technological and phenolic maturation of Sauvignon blanc and Shiraz, varieties which ripen during this time of the year.
The average temperature in September of 2020 was 25°C, 2.5°C higher than in 2019. The increased temperature resulted in the abrupt increase of the sugars of the Merlot variety during harvest season. On the contrary, Cabernet Sauvignon had a simultaneous technological and phenolic maturation. The non-grafted indigenous varieties of our vineyards of Xinisteri, Promara, Υiannoudi and Maratheftiko were not affected by this change and enjoyed a smooth maturation due to their adaptation to the climate of Cyprus.
As a result of all the above, this year’s harvest has contributed significantly to the creation of wines that highlight the typical character of each variety with a strong terroir element, especially in wines which derive their grapes from selected vineyards such as Alátes, Óroman, Sauvignon blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Artion.
This year’s white wines of Vlassides Winery present intense varietal aromas that evolve as we taste them and are characterised by balanced acidity and a cool aftertaste.
Due to the smooth maturation of our red varieties, the wines produced will be characterised by intense varietal aromas with a velvety balance between alcohol, acidity and phenolic load.