Xynisteri | |
---|---|
Grape (Vitis) | |
Origin | Cyprus |
Notable regions | Troodos mountain range |
Notable wines | Commandaria, Xynisteri |
VIVC number | 704 |
Xynisteri (also spelled xinisteri; Greek: ξυνιστέρι) is an indigenous[1] white grape[2] grown on Cyprus.
According to some estimates, 33% of Cypriot vineyards, on the south slopes of the Troodos mountain range are planted with this grape variety, a fact that makes Xynisteri the main white grape grown of Cyprus.[3][4]
Its clusters and berries are of medium size while it is known for its durability against wine diseases.[4] It is used in the production of several local (mainly white) wines.[5] Xynisteri is blended with Mavro grapes for the production of the Commandaria,[1] a well-known Cypriot dessert wine and it is also used for the production of the local spirit Zivania.[4]