Description
Grape: 100% Viognier
Winemaking
Aging: 6 months in French oak barrels
From Oxidation to Quality: Transforming the Wine
Driven by curiosity and a desire for improvement, my father embarked on winemaking lessons. He eagerly shared this newfound passion with our mother Irene, my sister Andriana, and myself. With a first order of a stainless-steel tank, my father began making wine, placing it amidst the many amphorae. Later on, he built a cellar in the cool and inviting basement of our ancestral home, which is over 200 years old.
In 1996, Argyrides Winery’s first vintage was born—a notable Mourvèdre, known then as Saint Timon, sourced from vineyards nearly half a century old. Limited to a mere 200 bottles, my parents personally glued the labels by hand, adding a personal touch to this cherished vintage.
Expanding Horizons: Growing Our Vineyards
During those early years, my father faced numerous challenges. He hired young assistants, some of whom had no experience in winemaking. Undeterred, he persistently sought advice from renowned vignerons, attending seminars to learn invaluable tricks of the trade.
As my father gained experience and confidence, he gradually expanded our winemaking enterprise. Investing in more land and planting new grape varieties, he aimed to build a legacy to be passed down to my sister and me.
Mourvèdre and Cabernet Sauvignon were our first grape varieties, followed closely by Chardonnay, Maratheftiko, and Merlot—chosen for their ability to thrive in the Laona area and produce wines worthy of local and international acclaim. From 2005 to 2010, my father acquired sufficient land for us to rely solely on our own vineyards, ensuring complete control of the winemaking process from grape to glass. By 2013, we had planted all the hectares needed, completing our collection of vineyards.
Nurturing Talent: Building a Skilled Team
Our team also grew during this time. In 2005, I joined my father along with Sergei and his wife who continue to contribute their expertise to our daily operations.
Despite the challenges we faced during the winery’s development, my father’s contributions to Cyprus wine are undeniable. He presented a resilient trellis system for Chardonnay, inviting other winemakers to study its adaptability to our local terroir. Additionally, his love for Viognier led to its introduction to Cyprus in 2008, and it has become one of our winery’s prized bottlings.
Embracing Innovation: The Beauty of Trial and Error
At Argyrides, we believe in the beauty of trial and error. Mistakes allow us to continuously improve and craft even more exquisite wines for your enjoyment. We take pride in our journey, embracing the opportunity to deliver wines that embody our passion and dedication.
Today, our winery operates at full capacity, yet we still leave room for surprises. Our team, consisting of dedicated women—Andriana, my mother, and myself—constantly explores new ideas. Recently, we unveiled our Xperimental blend, a delightful combination of Xynisteri and Viognier with floral and citrus notes.
As we move forward, we cherish the support of our growing fanbase. From a small family-owned establishment, we have blossomed into a modern boutique winery deeply rooted in family traditions and heritage. We look forward to sharing our journey with you as we continue to craft exceptional wines, each with its unique story to tell.