CYPRUS GOURMET: NEW IN THE MARKET

From Lyrarakis

Lyrarakis “Symbolo” 2005 €49.00 from Cava Nostra and Oinion Pnevmata, Nicosia and Botiggliera, Limassol.
A limited edition red, produced by the energetic Cretan Lyrarakis family, one of whose passions is the resuscitation of ancient local grape varieties. 6,000 bottles of this special Cuvée were made and importers Hartziotis took up an allocation.
The wine is made only when the quality of the grapes justifies it and the varieties will not necessarily be the same.
The 2005 is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah and it is a big and powerful wine with long life ahead of it. It’s rich in tannins, fruit and oak and needs an hour or two decanted to breathe for drinking now. Not cheap. But a fine wine and a collector’s item.

Lyrarakis Moscato Dafni, Dessert Wine €27.07 (50cl bottle)
A pleasing sweet sip with dry background notes, to go with fruit desserts and Italian sweet dishes. Christos Sophocleous of Hartziotis tells me his sales are steady rather than spectacular, split between regular customers and restaurants.
At a dinner party, when not too much wine has been consumed with the starters and main course, a glass of this with the dessert satisfies the palate.