Chris BerryFounder, Wine Underdogs — chasing the world’s overlooked grapesSpourtiko is the vine most people only meet as a supporting character. It is planted among Maratheftiko, Cyprus's leading red, because Maratheftiko cannot pollinate itself, and Spourtiko flowers at the same time and supplies the pollen. It deserves a little attention of its own.
Say it: SPOOR-tee-kohrecorded by Anastasia Konstantopoulou
The name
Spourtiko means "bursting." Its berries are thin-skinned and split easily, according to both wein.plus and Jancis Robinson.
The partner vine
Akis Zambartas, who led the research that rediscovered many Cypriot grapes, writes that Spourtiko proved the best partner for Maratheftiko through experiment (Zambartas Wineries). Wein.plus says growers plant it in alternating rows.
As Head Oenologist Anastasia Konstantopoulou put it to us, "Spourtiko helps you obtain the crop; it does not contribute its identity to the Maratheftiko grape." That leaves Spourtiko's own identity to be found in its own bottle.
On its own
A handful of producers now make it as a varietal white. Vouni Panayia first bottled it in 2007 (Robinson). Makarounas makes one from ungrafted vines, fermented in steel and aged eight months on its lees, according to its US importer's listing at Skurnik. Christoudia bottles one at 11% alcohol.
Described by those who have tasted it:
- Robinson, on Vouni Panayia 2016: peach blossom aromas, watermelon flavors and a bitter orange finish.
- Christoudia: green apple and grapefruit with a lemon finish.
- Cyprus Mail: white flowers, lemon blossom and citrus, light to medium body.
The consistent picture is a light, low-alcohol white built on citrus. Drink it cold and young, as you would a crisp aperitif.
One honest caveat
The numbers do not add up. Wein.plus records about 10 hectares in 2010 and no plantings by 2016, yet commercial bottlings clearly exist. Treat any claim about how much Spourtiko is planted with care.
Where to find a bottle
wine.com had none on 25 September 2026. Wine-Searcher's US listings showed Makarounas Spourtiko from about $25 a bottle.
Read more in Cyprus wine grapes, from a head oenologist.
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Frequently asked questions
What does Spourtiko mean?
It means bursting, after the thin-skinned berries that split easily, according to wein.plus and Jancis Robinson.
Is Spourtiko made into wine on its own?
Yes, by a few producers. Vouni Panayia first bottled it in 2007, and Makarounas and Christoudia also make varietal Spourtiko.
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