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504.237.3462

Ambeli Wines Imports & Distribution
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  • Other Products
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  • Ambeli blog

Cyprus - Wine Descriptions

Aes Ambelis Xynisteri

Aes Ambelis Morokanella * SILVER * 2023 NOWFE New Orleans International Wine Competition

Aes Ambelis Morokanella * SILVER * 2023 NOWFE New Orleans International Wine Competition

Xynisteri, a Cyprus indigenous and most widely planted white varietal. Fermented in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperature. Bright green to yellow color. Aromas of citrus blossoms, pears and tropical fruit. Finely balanced, refreshing acidity, long aftertaste. Alc. 12.5%.

Aes Ambelis Morokanella * SILVER * 2023 NOWFE New Orleans International Wine Competition

Aes Ambelis Morokanella * SILVER * 2023 NOWFE New Orleans International Wine Competition

Aes Ambelis Morokanella * SILVER * 2023 NOWFE New Orleans International Wine Competition

An indigenous varietal of Cyprus, a rich and complex wine, offering a refreshing, balanced mix of fruity aromas and flavors, such as white peach, quince, wild flowers and cinnamon, leading to a pleasant aftertaste. Alc. 12.5% 

Aes Ambelis Rosé * SILVER * 2024 & 2022 NOWFE International Wine Competition

Aes Ambelis Morokanella * SILVER * 2023 NOWFE New Orleans International Wine Competition

Aes Ambelis Rosé * SILVER * 2024 & 2022 NOWFE International Wine Competition

Maratheftiko, an ancient Cypriot varietal, and Shiraz blend with limited maceration on the skins, for the  extraction of color and aromas. A lively wine with a bright pink color and an intense aromatic character dominated by wild roses and red fruit, such as pomegranate and strawberry. Refreshing acidity, ideally balanced in the palate, with a long aromatic aftertaste. Alc. 12.5%. 

Aes Ambelis Omiros

Aes Ambelis Rosé * SILVER * 2024 & 2022 NOWFE International Wine Competition

100% Maratheftko, Omiros is aged in French oak barrels for eight months and subsequently in the bottle for a year. Unique aromas of berries, black cherries and roses are characteristic in this wine, while it’s silky flavor, reminiscent of spices, leads to a long and round finish. Alc. 13.5%.

Aes Ambelis Commandaria

Commandaria, the dessert wine from Cyprus, is according to the Guinness Book of Records, the oldest wine in the world, its origins traced back to the 8th century BC. Commandaria is the first wine given a designation of origin protection (PDO) and it is only produced in the commandaria region, a cluster of 14 villages in the Troodos mountain range.


Commandaria has been continuously produced in the island  for 6000+ years, since ancient times, enjoyed through the centuries by the ancient Greeks, the Byzantines, the Crusaders, by Knights and medieval Kings.

Varietals are 50% Xynisteri and 50% Mavro, from very old, low yielding vineyards. It is a late harvest, dessert wine, where the grapes are sun-dried for two weeks and is aged in the barrel for at least 4 years.It is a dessert, after dinner drink, a suitable companion for desserts, sweet fresh fruit, dried fruit and soft, mild cheese.

Zambartas Xynisteri

Xynisteri, a Cyprus indigenous varietal, fermented in stainless steel tanks from low-yielding old vines grown at 850m altitude in the Krasochoria region.  Light yellow-straw color, intense and complex aromatic bouquet with refreshing aroma of citrus and stone fruits. Crisp acidity and lingering aftertaste. Alc. 13.5%. 

Zambartas Mataro-Yiannoudi

Zambartas Shiraz-Lefkada – * BRONZE * 2023 NOWFE New Orleans International Wine Competition

Zambartas Mataro-Yiannoudi

Yiannoudi, a Cyprus indigenous varietal, and the Mediterranean varietal Mataro (Mourvèdre) are perfectly acclimatized to warm summers and together produce an elegant medium bodied red wine.  Fruity aroma, balanced acidity and soft tannins. 75% Mataro – 25% Yiannoudi. Alc.14.5%.

Zambartas Maratheftiko

Zambartas Shiraz-Lefkada – * BRONZE * 2023 NOWFE New Orleans International Wine Competition

Zambartas Mataro-Yiannoudi

100% Maratheftko, a Cyprus indigenous varietal, with flavors of rich red fruit, aromas of violets, black cherries and sweet spice, with soft tannins. The bouquet is enriched by an elegant layer of the fine French oak barrels which nourishes this wine. Suitable for aging. Alc. 14.5%.

Zambartas Shiraz-Lefkada – * BRONZE * 2023 NOWFE New Orleans International Wine Competition

Zambartas Shiraz-Lefkada – * BRONZE * 2023 NOWFE New Orleans International Wine Competition

Zambartas Shiraz-Lefkada – * BRONZE * 2023 NOWFE New Orleans International Wine Competition

A powerful, full bodied, rich, red blend wine designed to show Cyprus’ potential to produce wines of world class weight and complexity. Matured in French and American oak for 12 months. Lefkada, an indigenous varietal of Greece, contributes structure and intense mulberry fruit that carries through the palate. Blended with Shiraz to enhance its spicy style, with aromas of black berry, vanilla, spices and smoke, with a long and rich after taste. 80% Shiraz – 20% Lefkada. Alc. 15%  

Vlassides Winery - Oroman

Zambartas Shiraz-Lefkada – * BRONZE * 2023 NOWFE New Orleans International Wine Competition

  Όroman’, in Cypriot, means vision, dream. Our Οroman is now a single varietal 100% of the local grape Yiannoudi.  Aromatically characterized by black ripe cherry, tobacco leaves, oak notes and sweet spices such as nutmeg, clove and vanilla. Its taste is best described by an elegance flair, with the acidity being ideally balanced with the mild astringency of its tannins.. Medium to full body, with an aftertaste of sweet spices. Potential of aging from 8 to 10 years. Alc. 15%.

New Wines From Cyprus & Greece Coming Soon

New Wines From Cyprus & Greece Coming Soon

We are always looking for the next wine to add to our portfolio.  We focus on indigenous varietals and we are currently considering adding wines from 2 additional Cyprus wineries as well as our first 2 wineries to direct import from Greece.  Expected arrival mid-2025!

OUR Wines

    Greece - Wine Descriptions

    Buketo White Blend

    Canava Chrissou-Tselepos, Santorini, 100% Assyrtiko, 2018, 93-RP

    Tselepos Mantinia Moschofilero

    This Greek white wine is a perfect blend of Malagousia and Assyrtiko, two Greek indigenous varietals, and Sauvignon Blanc. Malagousia brings the stone fruit influence of peach and apricot and Assyrtiko showcases highlights of key lime accompanied by towering minerality. Sauvignon Blanc helps display regional characteristics that include fresh cut herbs and brightness. This perfect blend comes together like a harmonious and carefully bespoke floral bouquet or as we like to call it, Buketo! Alc. 13.5%. 

    Tselepos Mantinia Moschofilero

    Canava Chrissou-Tselepos, Santorini, 100% Assyrtiko, 2018, 93-RP

    Tselepos Mantinia Moschofilero

    Located in Arcadia in the Peloponnese, the vineyards lie at an altitude of 750 meters and boast sandy clay soil. This 100% indigenous Moschofilero has exceptional freshness and lively acidity. Citrus fruits and lemon flowers on the nose, with a crisp, clean finish. Alc. 11.7%.

    Canava Chrissou-Tselepos, Santorini, 100% Assyrtiko, 2018, 93-RP

    Canava Chrissou-Tselepos, Santorini, 100% Assyrtiko, 2018, 93-RP

    Canava Chrissou-Tselepos, Santorini, 100% Assyrtiko, 2018, 93-RP

    Assyrtiko, 100% Greek varietal, made famous in the most historic vineyard of Greece, one of the most ancient in the world, Santorini. Due to its volcanic soil, Santorini has never been affected by phylloxera, thus preserving its vineyard own-rooted, a fact that along with its particular microclimate, and the island’s viticultural and oenological tradition, creates a unique “terroir”, responsible for the highest quality wines produced. That, coupled with one of the most famous winemakers of Greece, Tselepos, makes for a unique wine with authentic and rich aromas that highlight the varietal character. Distinctive minerality with a vibrant, rich, and well-structured body. Alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel tanks, the wine then remains on the lees for about 3 months. Lemon-green color with an elegant bouquet filled with hot volcanic stones, honeysuckle, dried apricot and green apples. On the palate, very complex, with high acidity, grapefruit flesh, honeydew and zingy minerality. Alc. 13 ** Vivino top 2% wines in the world 

    Ktima Driopi Nemea

    Canava Chrissou-Tselepos, Santorini, 100% Assyrtiko, 2018, 93-RP

    100% Agiorgitiko a Greek indigenous varietal. A dark-garnet color with tinges of violet. Ready to drink upon release, it features generous aromas of red fruit and dried nuts. Tannins are present but luscious, with a velvet finish. Alc.13.26%.  

    More from Greece

    More from Greece

    We just partnered with 2 wineries from Greece, north of Thessaloniki.  The indigenous varietal wines of Malagousia and Mavrotragano will be available mid-2025. We are also looking at partnering up with a winery in Nemea, in the Peloponnese, for a private label!  Finally, stay tuned for our island of Chios Mastiha partner!

    OUR PRODUCERS

    Aes Ambelis Winery - Cyprus

    Aes Ambelis Winery - Cyprus

    Aes Ambelis Winery - Cyprus

    Our current portfolio imported to the USA includes the Xynisteri, Rose, Morokanella, Omiros and Commandaria wines.

    Zambartas

    Zambartas Winery - Cyprus

    Aes Ambelis Winery - Cyprus

    Aes Ambelis Winery - Cyprus

    Our current portfolio imported to the USA includes the Xynisteri, Mataro-Yiannoudi, Maratheftiko and Shiraz-Lefkada wines.

    Vlassides Winery - Cyprus

    Vlassides Winery - Cyprus

    Vlassides Winery - Cyprus

    Our current portfolio imported to the USA includes the Oroman and Artion wines.

    Greece

    Vlassides Winery - Cyprus

    Vlassides Winery - Cyprus

    We represent some of the best Greek wineries/winemakers like Tselepos, Biblia Chora, Gerovassiliou, Katsaros, Driopi, Parparoussis, and others.  Contact us for more.

    More info

    OUR USA AWARDS

    Aes Ambelis Rosé

    Zambartas Shiraz-Lefkada

    Aes Ambelis Morokanella

    2024 and 2022 New Orleans Wine & Food Experience - New Orleans International Wine Competition

    Aes Ambelis Morokanella

    Zambartas Shiraz-Lefkada

    Aes Ambelis Morokanella

    2023 New Orleans Wine & Food Experience - New Orleans International Wine Competition

    Zambartas Shiraz-Lefkada

    Zambartas Shiraz-Lefkada

    Zambartas Shiraz-Lefkada

    2023 New Orleans Wine & Food Experience - New Orleans International Wine Competition

    Commandaria holds 2 records, the oldest wine in the world and the 1st ever "Appelation d'origine"!

    Commandaria was served at Richard the Lionheart’s wedding in the 12th century, who called it the 'Wine of Kings and King of Wines"!  In 1223, King Phillipe of France called it "The Apostle of wines".

    Guiness Book of World Records

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