Maratheftiko is an indigenous red wine grape variety from the island of Cyprus. It was almost extinct by the end of the 20th century, but has undergone a revival, and now is used predominantly in boutique wines and is increasing in popularity.
The grapes are known for their thick skins and high tannin content, leading to wines with deep red color, robust body, and potential for aging. Maratheftiko wines often have rich and complex flavors, featuring red and black fruit notes, hints of spices and sometimes even floral undertones, such as violets. It is also commonly blended with other varieties to add depth and complexity to the resulting wines.
Due to its tendency to produce female flowers, which makes successful pollination dependent on the proximity of other varieties, Maratheftiko has historically been challenging to cultivate. However, modern viticulture techniques have helped overcome these difficulties.
