Maratheftiko

Maratheftiko is an ancient grape variety indigenous to Cyprus. It is also known locally as Vambakadha (Βαμβακάδα), Vambakina (Βαμβακίνα), Pampakia (Παμπακιά), Mavrospourtiko (Μαυροσπούρτικο), Aloupostaphylo (Αλουποστάφυλο) .

Professor Mouillefert was, again, the first to refer to this variety by name, in 1893, using the word Marathophiko. More recently, in 1988 to be exact, Robinson refers to this variety as "a local variety of superior quality.

It is characterized by intense flowering (fall of flowers), which affects its productivity. A solution to this problem can be given by planting it with an encountered variety, such as white Spurtiko, so as to achieve complete pollination.

It has excellent maturation possibilities in oak barrel as well as aging in the bottle. Its grapes when ripened in the appropriate soil climate, can give rich wines with soft tannins , cool acidity and characteristic aromas of cherry and black chocolate.

Wines labeled as Maratheftiko must have no less than 85% of Maratheftiko, must be aged no less than 6 mounts in oak barrels .