“Our vineyards do not know what weed killing chemicals are. …every chemical intervention in the soil is detrimental to the earth and humans…ultimately, humankind is earth and earth is humankind.” — Marios Kolios

Iris is made from the Spourtiko grape, one of several varietals that is indigenous to Cyprus, and like the other indigenous Cypriot varietals such as Maratheftiko, Mavro, and Xinisteri, among others, it is absolutely unique in the world. After thousands of years of cultivation in the local soil and climate, Spourtiko and the others have evolved a very special character. The high quality wine produced from them boasts a very full body with very delicate yet intense perfumes.

Kolios Winery only recently brought Spourtiko to the family vineyards, one of only a few vinyards to do so. For many years this variety was almost forgotten. Production of wine from Spourtiko on the Island is extremely limited.

The Kolios Winery and the Kolios family vineyards are located on a mountaintop in the southern forest terrain of Cyprus, at an altitude of 3300 feet (3000 meters), in the Pafos district. Here the climate, soil conditions, self-rooted, non-American rootstock vines, and other factors give the grapes and the resulting wine its unique character. All Kolios wines are wild yeast fermented, using the natural local yeast, not a packaged or engineered yeast.

TASTING NOTES: Iris possesses a bright green color and an intense bouquet with exotic fruits, white flowers, and spices. It is refreshing in the mouth, with herbal elements and fruity aromas dominating. It has an enjoyable lemony aftertaste that hints of citrus fruits.

FOOD PAIRINGS: Seafood, grilled fish, grilled chicken, pesto, sweet fruits and salads without lemon and vinegar.

SERVING TEMPERATURE: Chilled.