Nicosia

Overview

Nicosia is the central and most landlocked district of the Republic of Cyprus, but its southern reaches include vineyards on the lower slopes of the Troodos Mountains. The climate is warm and continental compared to the coast, with hot summers and cool nights at elevation.

The district produces both everyday table wines and traditional styles based on Xynisteri and Mavro. While less celebrated than Limassol or Paphos for wine tourism, Nicosia's vineyards are part of the long agricultural tradition that supports Cyprus's wine industry.

Key Varietals

• XynisteriA fresh, aromatic white widely planted in the district's inland vineyards.
• MavroA dark indigenous grape used for both dry reds and sweet Commandaria-style wines.
• MaratheftikoA small planting of this tannic indigenous red appears in niche bottlings.
• OfthalmoA local red variety occasionally used in blends from the region.