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Vasilikon Aeon Maratheftiko is produced high in the limestone hills of Kathikas by the renowned Kyriakides brothers – Heracles, Georgios, and Giannis. It is made from 100% Maratheftiko, one of the Mediterranean’s best-kept viticultural secrets, an elusive, highly prized red grape variety indigenous to Cyprus.
This Cypriot red wine from PGI Paphos marries dark plum and wild berry fruit with subtle French oak spice and velvety, rounded tannins. If I had to describe it, I would say it is something like a cross between a Nebbiolo and Xinomavro. For wine lovers looking to discover something beyond the familiar, Vasilikon Aeon Maratheftiko offers a fascinating alternative to Italian, Greek and other Mediterranean wines, while retaining a distinctive sense of place. Available to buy now at Fareham Wine Cellar.
The Vasilikon Winery is situated in the traditional wine-growing villages of the Paphos district in western Cyprus. Founded in 1993, the family-owned estate has become one of the leading producers championing indigenous Cypriot grape varieties including Vasilissa, Xinisteri and Lefkada alongside international classics like Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Working with mountain vineyards planted at elevations around 700 metres, Vasilikon benefits from cooler evening temperatures and dampening sea mists, owing to its proximity to the Mediterranean, which preserve acidity and aromatic freshness. Most of the vineyards are on limestone and others on loamy-gypsum soil. A modern winery was built in 2010, allowing much more control over the entire winemaking process.
Sustainable vineyard practices and careful winemaking allow the distinctive personality of Cyprus’ native grapes to shine through.
The Aeon range represents some of the winery’s finest small-production wines.
Appearance: Vivid purple-crimson with brilliant clarity in the glass.
Nose: Highly aromatic and fragrant with notes of violets, ripe damson, dark cherry, pomegranate and a gentle dusting of cocoa and sweet oak.
Palate: Medium-bodied with layers of black cherry, crushed blackberries and savory Mediterranean herbs. The tannins are fine-grained and supple, framed by lively freshness that carries through to a spice-tinged finish.
Maratheftiko pairs wonderfully with lamb, Cypriot kleftiko (slow-roasted lamb), grilled beef, venison, duck, moussaka, slow-cooked meats and mature cheeses thanks to its rich fruit, firm tannins and savoury complexity.
Maratheftiko is Cyprus’ flagship red grape variety and one of the Mediterranean’s most exciting indigenous grapes. Historically difficult to cultivate because of its poor self-pollination, it remains relatively rare despite producing wines of exceptional quality.
The grape naturally develops:
Many critics consider Maratheftiko capable of producing Cyprus’ finest red wines.
What does Maratheftiko taste like?
Maratheftiko typically offers flavours of blackberry, black cherry, plum and damson alongside floral violet notes, Mediterranean herbs, black pepper and subtle spice. It combines rich fruit with fresh acidity and structured tannins.
Is Maratheftiko similar to Cabernet Sauvignon?
Maratheftiko shares Cabernet Sauvignon’s structure and ageing ability but is generally more aromatic, with brighter acidity, softer herbal notes and distinctive Mediterranean character.
Where is Vasilikon Aeon produced?
Vasilikon Aeon is produced by Vasilikon Winery in the PGI Paphos wine region of western Cyprus, where mountain vineyards benefit from cooling sea breezes and higher elevations.
