Omodhos is 36km northwest of Limassol and part of Krasochoria wine region, built near the western bank of Ha Potami at an average altitude of 850 meters and famous for its wine culture. The capital of Krasochoria, as it is known, is perhaps the first village that several wineries used as a base.
Last year a new winery, Domaine Vassiliades Oenou Yi (Land of Wine), was added to this long list. It is owned by Christodoulos G Vassiliadis, a successful lawyer born in Omodhos and considered one of the successors of the long-standing winemaking tradition of the village.
Reflecting on winemaking, the Vassiliades family believe it is a form of art and their vision is to focus on quality.
The Domaine Vassiliades Oenou Yi winery combines high-tech equipment with practices suitable for quality wine making. It is a modern, well-designed winery with state of the art vinification equipment, bottling and grand tasting areas, with well-trained staff ready to offer experiences that every faithful friend of the wine culture desires.Also, the specially designed reception and hospitality space aim to initiate their visitors on a unique trip to the long winemaking traditions of the land of Omodhos village.
The family vineyard dominates at an altitude of 800 meters to the top of Laona and Afamis at 1,060 meters. Starting from the vineyard of his father, within 15 years Vassiliades Domaine numbered about 150 hectares of privately-owned vineyards with growth prospects over the next five years.The vineyards are planted in linear shapes that facilitate cultivation. The dry stone used by the traditional Omodhos house builders prevents the erosion of the soil, while aromatic roses are planted around the vineyards for their protection by preventing the spread of diseases on to the vines, which also produce a refreshing rosewater.
Stone, roses and vines describe and define the wines of the estate.In the vineyards of the Domaine, which exploit the special and unique terroir of Omodhos, thrive both Cypriot and international varieties. The local white varieties of Xynisteri, Malaga and Morokanella (Bio vineyards), as well as the traditional red Maratheftiko, Yiannoudi, Lefkada and Mavro show their identity. Besides, the white international varieties of Assyrtiko, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Semillon, as well as the international red Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Grenache find new ways to show off their cosmopolitan character. Already the annual production in bottles amounts to 150,000.
The vines are planted mainly on limestone and volcanic soils exploit the daily change of temperatures from hot during the day and cold at night to produce prime fruit. The winery also undertakes some micro-vinifications always aiming to exploit further the Omodhos terroir. Hungarian and French oak barrels are stacked beautifully in the winery cellars.If you happen to visit the winery try the extensive menu offered at Oenou Yi. Inventive food, inspired by Mediterranean cuisine, it showcases fresh, seasonal ingredients presented in thoughtful dishes. The 20 suites are not ready yet, but the Spa will be open soon.
2018 Pente Litharia Xynisteri, Lemesos
The name comes from an area of Omodos where the microclimate contributes to the unique maturation of the Xinisteri grapes, from aged vines on top of Afames mountain. Surpassingly fresh, herbaceous with vivid aromas of white flowers, ripe melon and citrus fruit introduce rich, zesty flavours of pink grapefruit, melon and guava, leading to a long, crisp finish buoyed by bright acidity and refreshing citrus and mineral tones. Irresistible now, this classic Xynisteri will age gracefully for the next three to five years. €10
2018 Playia White Dry, Xynisteri – Malaga – Assyrtiko, Lemesos
Playia means slope, the 2018 white blend is inviting and features aromas of passion fruit, lemon verbena and key lime, herbaceous with white flowers. Crisp and clean on the palate with flavours of lemon and pomelo with Granny Smith apple are lively and refreshing. An incredibly light wine but food-versatile, it’s a natural match for shellfish, seafood, and lighter summer fare of feta cheese and tomato. €8.50
2018 Playia Rosé Xynisteri – Maratheftiko, LemesosThis rosé is elegant and distinct with a gorgeous hue of pale salmon and aromas of strawberry and grapefruit, and subtle hints of mint. A burst of fresh orange and lemon zest colourfully drive the palate and are delicately balanced with flavours of nectarine. A silky entrance on the palate coupled with fresh and uplifting acidity leaves you with signature Omodhos terroir expressiveness. It is excellent with all kinds of seafood and fish. €8.50
2018 Rodambelo, Rosé Syrah – Maratheftiko, Lemesos
Lovely cherry colour, aromatically it leaps out of the glass with a delicate bouquet of white flowers and crisp red fruits. A blend aged entirely in stainless steel, this wine displays resounding freshness and appealing acidity. Flavours of honeydew and fresh white strawberries are carried through with a long, mouthwatering finish. This rosé has the versatility of being both a wine to enjoy on its own or with lighter foods, such as salads, grilled fish, or Mediterranean dishes. €10
2017 Playia Dry Red, Syrah – Cabernet Sauvignon – Merlot, Lemesos
The Playia dry red blend cranks up the decibels on its big, bold, unapologetic flavours of mulberry, blackberry, black pepper and vanilla along with a rich medley of mint, liquorice and clove. Dry, medium body, juicy, it’s sure to rock any occasion. €8.50
2016 Geroklima Maratheftiko, Lemesos
Aged in Hungarian oak, it has rich concentrated aromas of cherry, raspberry and vanilla that lead into flavours of spice and chocolate. Subtle and soft with a lingering toasted oak finish. This wine was created to enjoy now or for many years to come as it will age gracefully. Enjoy with grilled steak or lamb chop, braised short ribs, or pasta with wild mushrooms and prosciutto. €10
2017 Thalero Medium Sweet, Xynisteri – Malaga
White and sweet, the par excellence dessert wine. It is pale yellow in colour, the intensity of which varies according to the year, intensely fruity, aromatic and lingering. The sweetness is in balance with the low alcohol and acidity, never too high, but that gives the product a pleasant freshness. It is vinified exclusively in steel tanks. €9
