Classic and contemporary wines

According to the Oxford dictionary, Mystes is the one initiated in a mystery, as in the Dionysian mysteries. The mysteries were celebrated throughout ancient Greece, revolving around Dionysus, the god of wine and fertility.

Mystes is also a winery in Archimandrita, located right at the entrance of the village. Following the footsteps of his father with a family history of growing grapes and making wines, Loucas Papaloucas is the owner and winemaker at Mystes. His winemaking history involves spending a few years at Kamanterena Winery in Stroumbi, Paphos.

His style is a blend of classic and contemporary; innovative equipment and meticulous process are paired with firsthand and minimalistic winemaking techniques. His philosophy is to produce wines that express the land’s unique terroir, the fruit and the dirt lead the way.

Archimandrita is a suitable place to make wine and for Loucas there is a purpose for wine that tastes good. To that end, he puts a lot of effort into the vineyards. He believes the vineyard fundamentally drives the direction the wine will go. After working with a vineyard year after year, you learn how it best expresses itself, and you play to its natural strengths. The results are wines that are fruit driven with good structure. He strives to strike a balance between the powerful fruits the region can deliver and an elegant style, especially when the fruit is indigenous to Cyprus.

It became famous as a winery for its three wines released a few years ago. The white is based on Chardonnay, the rosé is made with Syrah, and the red is pure Maratheftiko. On the label there is an ideogram from Linear B, meaning wine. Linear B is syllabic script that was used for writing in Mycenaean Greek, the earliest attested form of the Greek language. The are four new labels are available now; a white made from the indigenous white variety Promara, a red from Giannoudi and a red blend of Giannoudi and Maratheftiko. The surprise of the tasting was an orange Xynisteri.

With more variety in the Mystes portfolio, the winey now is becoming a destination for those seeking out unusual and delicious wine and it is worth a visit. During the tasting, Dia, Loucas’ wife prepares a wonderful rich cheese and charcuterie platter.

2024 Mystes Winery Orange Xynisteri, ABV 13%

This orange wine is crafted through 25 to 30 days of maceration on the skins in used oak barrels for Chardonnay, offering aromatics of orange blossom, ripe stone fruit and tropical jackfruit. The nose also has a botanic character, hawthorns and pine nuts. The palate is moderately tannic, with notes of dried citrus peel, tea, ash and preserved apricot layered over a yeasty, textured profile. Enjoy with Lebanese entrees like hummus, felafel, tabbouleh, salmon or monkfish in tomato sauce. €18

2021 Mystes Winery Promara, PGI Pafos, ABV 14%

Released a year ago, this is the wine that signalled a new approach from Loucas to less intervention with focus on indigenous varieties. For fermentation, spontaneous yeast in stainless steel tank, and the wine is unfiltered. Only 800 bottles are produced. Light straw yellow colour with intense aromas of mandarin blossom, peach, nectarine, apricot, lemon and white flowers. Medium-bodied with balanced and creamy acidity alongside flavours of orange, peach and mango sorbet with a touch of herbs. Long and rich on the finish, it is best enjoyed with grilled sea bream with light spicy sauce or steamed bass with green vegetables, salmon sashimi, chicken with light creamy sauce or roast turkey. €24

2024 Mystes Winery Chardonnay ABV14%

The vinifying process of this wine starts by using the pneumatic press, loaded with whole grapes, taking only the free-run juice. Fermentation is at low temperature using selected yeast and trying to keep the varietal character. It is matured and new and used oak barrels for six months on its fine lees, giving aromatic potential. This rich, flavourful and radiant Chardonnay leaps from the glass with enticing aromas of nectarine, lemon grass, pear blossom, white peach, banana, citrus and caramelised pineapple with subtle oak notes. The citrus and stone fruit layers echo on the silky palate, complex with wood and lees stirring undertones, where flavours of white peach, lemon zest and vanilla flow to a bright zesty finish. Pair with lighter meats and buttery dishes. €19

2022 Mystes Winery Giannoudi ABV 14%

A new red from Mystes also using indigenous yeast and not filtered, thus keeping with less intervention. A gastro rosé, red strawberry colour, the nose displays aromas of pomegranate, red fruit and citrus as in blood orange, spring flowers, jasmine, iodine and crushed stones. What follows is a beautifully defined texture, a fleshy core of fruit, white chocolate, refreshing acidity followed by calcareous finish. It is going to drink nicely while it ages, try with grilled fish such as sea bass, salmon and tuna, ratatouille or spaghetti with courgette and toasted almonds. €16

2022 Mystes Winery Giannoudi-Maratheftiko ABV 13%  

A popular blend in Cyprus, 50% Giannoudi and 50% Maratheftiko, a full body red, a result also of spontaneous fermentation that also undergoes malolactic fermentation. It has a crimson colour with aromas of dark berries, like blackberry, currant and cassis, violet and some baking spices. On the palate it has a silky texture and juicy dark fruit – black cherry and blackberry flavours that echo the aromas with rich ample acidity, lengthy finish. Perfect with roast pork and rich pastas dishes, roast turkey and the classic cheeseburger. €18

2018 Mystes Winery Maratheftiko ABV 13%

Classic red wine vinification with both fermentation and malolactic fermentation completed in the tanks, after which the wine is kept for 12 months in oak. If you like deep red wine, this will not disappoint. On the nose generous aromatics of black cherries and plums are followed by cedar, dried cranberries and blackberries. The mouthfeel has flavours of very dark chocolate, pine nuts and dried thyme. Enjoy with grilled or roast chicken, beef stew, beef fajitas or grilled lamb chops. €19

Mystes Winery, Pano Archimandrita, Tel: 99 261145, www.mysteswinery.com