Morokanella: The Heart of Cyprus in a Glass

Morokanella: The Heart of Cyprus in a Glass

At Cyprus Wines, Timeless, Terroir, Endless Discovery at the Cyprus High Commission, London, UK

I tasted many indigenous Cypriot varieties, each expressing a unique personality shaped by centuries of viticultural tradition, diverse soils, and abundant Mediterranean sunlight. Every sip felt like a note in a symphony: the crisp freshness of Xynisteri, the rustic depth of Maratheftiko, and the floral whispers of Vasilissa. Yet, with all those treasures before me, my heart was stolen by Morokanella.

Morokanella is far more than a grape; it is a sensory melody of Cyprus itself, transporting you immediately to the warm, sun‑kissed hills and fertile valleys of the Larnaca wine region. Vineyards stretch across limestone, volcanic, and alluvial soils, giving structure, minerality, and freshness despite the island’s hot Mediterranean climate. These soils act like the base notes in a rich musical composition, grounding the wine with tension and depth, while its bright natural acidity keeps the fruit lively and radiant.

On nose and palate, Morokanella sings with citrus peel, white peach, quince, and almond, forming the melody, while subtle cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg provide a warm, harmonious counterpoint. Its medium-to-full body and lively acidity create a rhythm that flows gracefully, each sip resonating like a long, lingering chord, echoing the sun, warmth, and centuries of tradition in the land. This freshness with body perfectly embodies the character of Cyprus’s terroir.

While Xynisteri remains the most widely planted white grape in Cyprus, Morokanella stands out for its aromatic depth and expressive character, both bright and layered, reflecting the island’s ancient viticultural heritage and the unique soils of Larnaca. Each sip feels like a perfectly composed musical piece, where volcanic and limestone soils, warm winds, and generations of care harmonize in a single, unforgettable performance.

Among all the indigenous varieties I tasted, Morokanella lingered in my memory, a soloist that captivated the ensemble. In Morokanella, the tradition, terroir, and soul of Cyprus converge in a melodious, sensory-driven experience, a wine that doesn’t just tell a story but transports you to the warm, sun-drenched lands of Cyprus with every sip.