Kyperounda Winery – Akti 2021

Tasted as part of a side glance at Cypriot wines, the Akti 2021 from Kyperounda Winery is a rosé made from the indigenous grape varieties Lefkada (80%) and Mavro (20%). The name Lefkada is misleading – one immediately thinks of white wine (cf. λευκός = white). Lefkada, however, is a red grape variety with quite considerable pigment, simply named after the island of the same name where it originates. Both dark-skinned varieties were extracted very gently, resulting in a rosé almost in the Provence style. On the nose, though, it's more expressive, above all fruitier. Peach dominates the aromatics. On the palate, the carbon dioxide was unfortunately still very intrusive at the first tasting, largely masking the flavor progression behind it. A second tasting the following day revealed, however, that this is a wine to be taken quite seriously – one that knows how to challenge with its herbal character. A very good wine at 86 points, and one that will surely win over many who are drawn to this particular style.