Sampling Ktima Gerolemo wines at Cavaway Boutique
No one can argue against Omodhos village being the wine capital of Cyprus. It is surrounded by several wineries and their vineyards cover mountain tops such as Afames and Kremnos of Laona. Not far from Limassol, built on the west bank of Cha-potami, Omodhos buzzes every day with visitors from all over the world.
They come to see the large plaza of the Monastery of the Holy Cross. They visit the medieval Wine Press and stroll the narrow alleys and the stone-made houses. Above all, they come to taste the grapes and wine that so impressed inebriate Sultan Selem II he conquered the island to make the drink his own.
Sultan Selem would have been even more justified of his decision to conquer Cyprus nowadays by visiting Ktima Gerolemo, just 1km north of the village right in the heart of the wine-producing area. The Athinodorou brothers built the winery in the early 80s with their father who owned a coffee shop in the middle of the square called Gerolemo Vini Bar from which they sold their wines. Athinodoros was a pharmacist and Harris a computer engineer.
The winery was built in stages and completed in February 1989 in 127 acres of land. The Athinodorou brothers are focused on quality and experiment a lot with indigenous varieties, such as Xynisteri, Morokanella, Kanella, Opthalmo, Maratheftiko and Yiannoudi. They also produce Commandaria from Xynisteri and Mavro. Furthermore, they produced probably the best Riesling on the island and Muscat-based whites both dry and sweet. Red imports include Cabernet Sauvignon, Mataro and Syrah.
Wines of Gerolemo were recently tasted at the new Cavaway shop in Limassol, which has branched out from its original Larnaca store. Limassol Cavaway is in Iapetou 8 in Ayios Athanasios.
2023 Ktima Gerolemo Kanella, PGI Lemesos, ABV 10.5%
Gerolemo is the only winery selling this rare indigenous white variety. Sourced from a small batch close to the winery, Kanella has a bright straw yellow colour with greenish reflections. On the nose, it offers a rich and fragrant bouquet where the white floral notes combine with citrus hints of tangerine and bergamot, and exotic fruit. Good persistence and a pleasant mineral finish. Excellent aperitif, and because of the low alcohol you can enjoy it with a light lunch of summer salads, or grilled halloumi drizzled with lemon and honey. €14
2023 Ktima Gerolemo Seven Souls, Spourtiko, PGI Lemesos, ABV €11.5%
A bright straw colour with greenish reflections. Intense persistent floral and vegetable aromas with notes of lime and balsamic, chalky lemons and citrus, peaches, hints of beeswax and crushed stones. Fresh and vivid, on the medium palate the vegetable notes are predominant. Smooth and full of good depth and well balanced, with a long persistent aftertaste. Spourtiko wines are a versatile match for a wide array of appetizers, especially meze entrees and pairs also well with shellfish and seafood. €14
2023 Ktima Gerolemo Morokanella, PGI Lemesos, ABV 12%
This is an attractive floral and fruity wine with a touch of minerality. Straw yellow with green reflections. Great balance between acidity, alcohol and fruit as well as aromas of white flowers, citrus zest, almonds and a hint of tropical notes. Pairs well with fresh seafood, raw fish and shellfish particularly oysters, rabbit, chicken and pork. €12
2023 Ktima Gerolemo Smileftis oak Xynisteri, PGI Lemesos, ABV13%
This is a serious Xynisteri that takes on the weight and intensity of a serious Chardonnay with dried apple and pineapple character, spring wildflower, exotic fruit and Mediterranean scrub. Soft straw yellow colour with green tinges. Intense primary aromas, delicate, lingering, excellent secondary aroma of oak, great bouquet. The palate is lively, fresh, rich, balanced, delicate and fine. Pair with fish starters, ravioli with halloumi cheese and dry mint filling, seafood risotto, artichoke risotto, linguine with seafood dressing stewed and grilled fish, white meats and medium mature cheese. €10
2022 Ktima Gerolemo Maratheftiko Rosé, PGI Lemesos, ABV 14%
This Maratheftiko rosé is smooth and flavourful with intense and vibrant plum and dark fruits, with hints of black pepper and spice. A lush, fleshy and appealing palate with floral aromas. It is well balanced with integrated soft tannins making it easy to drink now with the perfect balance of strength and elegance. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, salmon or even pizza with fresh Mozzarella, tomatoes and basil. €12
2017 Ktima Gerolemo Maratheftiko Premium, PGI Lemesos, ABV 13.5%
A deep ruby red colour introduces a wine with wonderful plush fruit layered with aromas of black cherry, blackberry, vanilla, cedar and baking spice. Beautifully balanced with soft tannins and a luscious finish. Delicious with duck, barbecued chicken, cherry-glazed pork tenderloin, tomato-based pastas and black olive and mushroom pizza. Beef comes to mind with this wine, especially beef Wellington or Chateaubriand with Bearnaise sauce. €25
2019 Ktima Gerolemo Giannoudi Limited Release, PGI Lemesos ABV 14%
This refined and powerful red comes from a single vineyard owned by the family. It has a deep red colour with violet hues and features concentrated and ripe red fruit like red plum, raspberry and boysenberry flavours with black pepper. On the palate it has friendly tannins and round structure, and offers lilting spiciness midpalate, with a finish that features liquorice and dried ginger accents. A match in heaven for roast lamb with greens or duck with cherry or plum in the jus to complement the natural fruit-driven element of Giannoudi. €20
Ktima Gerolemo, Omodhos Tel: 99 696025 – Distributed by Cavaway
