SHIRAZ VLASSIDES

This “aristocratic” variety which comes from Rhone Valley in southern France, grows perfectly in the Cypriot vineyards.

Vlassides Shiraz, one of Cyprus’ favourite red, is a prime example of this variety.

This is a rich wine with soft tannins. The grapes come from non-irrigated vineyards in Kilani, Vouni and Pachna.

The wine matures in oak barrels.

With the potential to evolve further for up to ten years.

Best served at 16-18°C.

Award

Year of Harvest

Silver Medal


23rd Thessaloniki International Wine Competition 2023

2020


Silver Medal


13th International Cyprus Wine Competition 2022

2020


Gold Medal


12th International Cyprus Wine Competition 2019

2017


Gold Medal


11th International Cyprus Wine Competition 2018

2016


Bronze Medal 


Decanter World Wine Awards 2018

2016


Bronze Medal 


Decanter World Wine Awards 2017

2015


Silver Medal


9th International Cyprus Wine Competition 2016

2014


Silver Medal


7th International Cyprus Wine Competition 2012

2010


Silver Medal


5th International Cyprus Wine Competition 2010

2008


Shiraz Vlassides

Varieties:

100% Shiraz

 

 

Soil Composition:

Calcareous
50% Sand
30% Clay
20% Silt

Vinification:

The harvest takes place at the end of August. Extraction of phenolic substances lasts from seven to ten days. After the malolactic fermentation, the wine matures in French oak barrels for twelve months.

Production Year

Organoleptic Characteristics:

  • Color: Deep ruby
  • Aromatic characteristics: Intense aromas of ripe dark fruits, such as plum and blackberry, harmoniously coexist with notes of violet, licorice, and black pepper, creating a complex aromatic profile.
  • Taste and texture: Its elegant tannins balance with the moderate acidity and full body of the wine. The tasting experience is completed with a velvety and long finish that leaves a pleasant sensation on the palate.
  • Aging potential: It can age for 8 to 10 years, further developing its complexity.

Harvest Information 2022:

Ethanol: 14,5% Vol
pH: 3,45
Total
Acidity (
H2SO4):
3,67 g/l
Reducing Sugars: 1 g/l
Rainfall: October until July 795mm
Harvest Temperatures (Μ.Α.)
Lowest: 16,4°C – (8/2022)
Highest: 31,3°C – (8/2022)

2022 Harvest:

The 2022 harvest will be remembered mainly for the very high acidity and low pH presented in the vineyard by almost all international and local grape varieties, white and red, with the sole exception of Xynisteri, which will remain in our memory for its amazing year. But, let’s analyze more thoroughly the factors that determined the harvest of the year 2022.

The total amount of rainfall in our area for the period of October 2021 – September 2022, was approximately 795mm of rain. The month with the most rainfall was December 2021 (317mm of rain), followed by January 2022 (254mm of rain), both months accounting for over 70% of the total rainfall. The last rainfall took place on March 25th, 2022. This resulted in intense abiotic stress during the ripening period due to the lack of water from the end of March. At the same time, this caused the almost excellent health of the plants, due to the absence of favorable conditions for the development of fungal infections.

The winter of 2022 was mildly cold with the average minimum and maximum temperatures being lower than in 2021, throughout the vegetative period. This was a fact that also justified the partial delay of ripening of the winery’s international and indigenous varieties.

The phenological stages in the 2022 harvest were structured as follows:

  • Expansion – first 10 days of April
  • Flowering – second 10-day period of May
  • Veraison – mid-July
  • Harvest – beginning of August to mid-October

The low temperatures of July and August of 2022, resulted in slow technological ripening for our white varieties. The white wines of Vlassides Winery for the 2022 harvest are characterized by relatively low alcohol levels, high acidity, low pH and aromatic typicality of each variety, especially for Sauvignon blanc and Assyrtiko.

For Xynisteri, it was a super productive year and this was probably due to the ideal climatic conditions that prevailed during the flowering period. Nevertheless, this variety continues to surprise us with its multifaceted character, depending on the abiotic conditions (soil, climate, altitude, direction, etc.), the biotic environment and the adapted human activities around the vineyard. The expression in aromas and  taste of the same variety in different sub-regions in Kilani, often differs noticeably and this gives us extra motive to experiment in the winemaking process every year. This is what we did this year as well.

In the red varieties, the low temperatures at the end of August and September, mainly during the evening hours, had a significant impact on the phenolic ripening of Giannoudi, Agiorgitiko, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot varieties. Having excellent quality in raw materials, all that remained to be done was to properly manage the extractions. The winery’s red wines for the 2022 vintage are characterized by a rich phenolic load, voluminous and oily mouthfeel. A big percentage of the 2022 red wines are already in French oak barrels and will remain for maturation for at least 12 months.