Vouni Panayia - Alina Xynisteri 2022 (750ml)
Price: $19.99
| Producer | Vouni Panayia |
| Country | Cyprus |
| Region | Paphos |
| Varietal | Xynisteri |
| Vintage | 2022 |
| Sku | 1-102687 |
| Size | 750ml |
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Alina 100% Xynisteri is a distinctive white wine that showcases the unique terroir of Cyprus's Paphos region and the dedication of Vouni Panayia winery to its indigenous grapes. Crafted entirely from the Xynisteri grape, which represents a significant portion of the island's vineyards, this wine embodies the family's commitment to expressing the authentic characteristics of this variety and the mountainous landscape where it thrives.
The grapes for Alina are carefully hand-harvested, followed by an eight-hour cold soak to enhance aroma extraction. The winemaking process emphasizes natural expression, with spontaneous fermentation initiated by indigenous yeasts. The wine then spends eight months on its fine lees in steel tanks, contributing to its texture and complexity. Vouni Panayia adheres to traditional viticultural methods, necessitated by the high altitude (800-1150 meters), steep slopes, and dense, dry-farmed bush vines. The soil's first layer of limestone and schistolithic composition, underlaid by clay, further imparts a unique character to the wine.
In the glass, Alina Xynisteri offers a fragrant nose marked by notes of wet pebbles, ripe peach, zesty grapefruit, and bright lemon. The palate delivers terrific definition, with a vibrant freshness and notable depth. Layers of mineral complexity intermingle with delicate chamomile, elegant lemon blossom, and subtle acacia notes. This wine's vibrant acidity and lingering flavors make it a superb partner for a variety of dishes, including shellfish, grilled seafood, light-sauced pasta, fresh vegetable salads, and both fresh and salty cheeses. Notably, the vines that produce this exceptional wine are phylloxera-free and many are up to 100 years old, a testament to the enduring viticultural heritage of Cyprus.
