The grape variety with red berries originates from Cyprus. The name means "ox's eye" due to the shape of the berries. Synonyms are Oftalmo, Ofthalmo, Ophtalmon, Optalmo, Pephtalmo, Pophtalma and Pophtalmo.
The ancestry (parentage) is unknown. According to DNA analyses carried out in 2005, it is closely related to the Cypriot variety Spourtiko (ex Wine Grapes).
The medium to late ripening, high-yielding vine produces aromatic, low-acid, light red red wines. These are blended with the Maratheftiko, Mavro and Cabernet Sauvignon varieties. The variety is also used as table grape.
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Markus J. Eser
Weinakademiker und Herausgeber „Der Weinkalender“