Krasochoria Lemesou wine region

The wine villages on the southern slopes of the Troodos — the densest concentration of working wineries on the island.

Dry whites must be at least 85% Xynisteri. Certain international varieties are also permitted here. Minimum natural alcohol 12% vol for reds and 11% for whites and rosés; Maratheftiko must age at least six months in oak barrels and every red at least six months in bottle. Vines must be at least five years old, with at least 220 vines per decare, trained as low goblets or in rows. The wine is made inside the zone.

Semi-mountainous to mountainous country with gentle to steep slopes (on average 20° to 30°), many ravines and ridges, and poor calcareous soils. The ground is usually terraced so that vines can be planted.

Hot, dry summers; winters mild, but cold in the northern parts above 800 m. The mean daily temperature is about 17.2 °C: 23.8–26.5 °C in summer and 8.4–10 °C in winter, with about 8.2 hours of sunshine a day.