Cyprus wines: types and composition

2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:14

Cyprus wines have been popular for about four thousand years. But they gained real world fame in 1363. It was then that a "feast tournament" was held in London. Five monarchs, gathered at one table, tasted various drinks. The generally recognized leader was "Commandaria" originally from Cyprus. Later, such popularity of local wines did the island a disservice. Selim II, the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, who bears the nickname "drunkard", went to war with Cyprus in part because he really liked local drinks.

Legend or not, there is no smoke without fire. After all, only in Cyprus grows the Mavro grape variety. Under the hot sun and in a somewhat arid climate, the berries gain so much sugar that they are considered unique. Many winemakers make their drinks exclusively from Mavro. Moreover, this liquor ambrosia should be consumed in the year of the spill.

Terroir

In this article we will take a virtual wine tour of Cyprus. It will not cover the entire island. The areas where vines are grown occupy quitesmall space. In fact, these are two areas: the area between the cities of Paphos and Limassol, as well as the southern slopes of the Troodos mountains. But what a variety of varieties is grown on the island that produces wine - Cyprus! Which is better is hard to say. It all depends not so much on the variety, but on the terroir, well-chosen blend and production technology.

Local varieties are especially cultivated here: Mavro, Ophthalmo, Xynisteri and Marateftiko. But imported vines are also grown - Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Blanc, Palomino, Carignan, Riesling and others. Of the one hundred and fifty grape varieties that are cultivated on the island, drinks of various strengths are produced: muscat, malaga, sherry, port wines. And, of course, dry white, red and rosé wine. The scale of production is only evidenced by the fact that seventy percent of the production is exported. The Cypriots themselves, who also like to drink, are left with only a quarter of the harvest.

Wine Tours

To get acquainted with the nuances of the production of alcoholic beverages in Cyprus, you need to come to the village of Erimi, which is located near the castle of Kolossi. It houses the Museum of Winemaking. This is a traditional white stone house with a tiled roof. In addition to the tour, you can taste the top wines that are considered traditional and buy your favorite sample. If you have rented a car, you can take a private tour of the villages scattered in the foothills of the Troodos. The owners of small wineries will be happy to let you in on the secrets of their production and treat youdrink of this harvest.

In the same way, you can make a fascinating tour around Paphos. But the best drinks on the island that hosts the wine festival, Cyprus, can be tasted in Limassol. This ten-day holiday has been held annually since 1961 in September. Locals wear traditional costumes, prepare delicious meals and dance national dances. And, of course, wine is poured to everyone over eighteen years old. Entrance to the municipal park where the festival takes place is five euros per person per day. You still need to buy for 1Є glass. With it, you can go to any counter and try everything you like.

Commandaria

Let's start the tasting with the winner of the legendary "Feast of the Five Kings". It may not be the best wine in Cyprus, but it is certainly the most famous. It traces its history back to 1191, when Richard the Lionheart, King of England, sold the island to the order of half-monks, half-knights of the Templars. They founded the commandery (headquarters) in Cyprus, near Limassol. We must do justice to local winemakers. The monks only spied on the process of making this wonderful dessert drink. But with a well-executed promotion, Commandaria gained fame throughout Europe.

Two local varieties are used for this wine: white Xynistern and black Mavro. The climate near the Kolossi tower (now a museum there) is unique: hot, dry summers and rather cool winters. The harvested crop is dried directly on the bunches in the sun for a week. Then this almost raisin is sent under pressure. Wortpoured into clay amphoras, which are buried in the ground up to the neck. Despite the fact that the wine is gaining a fairly large amount of sugars, it does not become cloying. The tannins add a pleasant astringency to the drink. Fortress "Commandaria" - not less than sixteen percent. This wine has a delightful mahogany color, a bright, rich aroma and a characteristic taste with hints of raisins, caramel, cinnamon and honey. If you want to bring a souvenir from Cyprus, choose Commandaria Saint John. A bottle will cost about ten euros.

Champagne

Another delicious wine in Cyprus is Bellapice. It is not allowed to call it champagne by the rules of the European Union, according to which drinks produced only in the province of France of the same name can be called so. But Bellapice is a sparkling dry wine. If "Commandaria" used to serve for communion in churches, and now it is uncorked on special holidays, then this white Cypriot champagne is drunk in the heat. The strength of the drink is small - about eleven degrees, but it perfectly tones and refreshes.

Previously, wine was produced exclusively on the lands of the Bellapice Monastery. The drink is characterized by a light straw color, not too sweet, pleasant taste, deep and noble aroma. It is impossible not to mention other Cypriot sparkling wines: Mediterranean Breeze (LOEL factory) and Duke de Nicosia (KEO). The first champagne is very sweet, but not cloying. It is easy to drink. "Duc de Nicosia" is not a dessert drink at all. It is characterized by a delicate fragrance.

Ladies drinks

The best wines of Cyprus are characterized by a high content of sugars. But at the same time, drinks are devoid of viscous and sticky cloying. The best white semi-sweet wine is Aphrodite. This gentle drink will be a great present for a lady. It has a delicate, light taste that can be called classic. In a complex bouquet of wine, tart aromas of grape seeds and freshly cut southern herbs are mixed. "Aphrodite" in Cyprus is usually served for a romantic dinner. This is partly justified by the name. But this wine does not intoxicate, but only improves mood and tone. It is ideal to accompany light fish and seafood dishes. It can also be served as a digestif, with cheeses and fruits. "Aphrodite" should be drunk slightly chilled - this way you can better feel all the nuances of aroma and taste.

Men's drinks

Cyprus wines cater not only to beautiful ladies, but also to the representatives of the stronger sex. A good souvenir for a loved one will be "Othello". This red dry wine is very popular on the island and even has the reputation of a male aphrodisiac. Only local grape varieties take part in the creation of Othello. The drink is aged in oak barrels. This gives it a noble woody aroma. In the bright, strong taste of red dry wine "Othello" heard notes of fruit and warm spices. Its strength is twelve degrees. From being in a bottle, the drink only becomes nobler - this can be seen by keeping it uncorked for three years. The taste of wine acquires a slight sweetness and at the same time astringency. "Othello" is served with dishes fromdark meat and game.

Fortified wines

Back in the 1980s sherry was the main exported product. But even now the quality of this wine of Cyprus cannot be ignored. Although the volumes of sherry production have decreased in recent years. In Cyprus, this drink is made in a special way. Locally produced brandy (for strength) and old Cammandaria (for sweetness) are added to dry white wine. After that, sherry is aged in old oak barrels, sometimes under the sun, which is why the drink eventually acquires a complex, multifaceted aroma and a delicate, noble taste. Among the best examples of this type of wine should be called "Fino" from the KEO distillery. Emva (ETKO) and sherries from the LOEL winery are also very good.

Wine "Saint Panteleimon" (Cyprus)

This drink should be mentioned separately. "Saint Panteleimon" is a semi-sweet wine of light straw color. The drink is popular at home (and beyond its borders). This wine is usually served with dessert cheeses and fruits. It is also ideal for an aperitif. At small parties, it is served with canapés. Good "Saint Panteleimon" from "KEO" and performed solo. This wine reviews are called very light. It's refreshing and doesn't hit the head. Wine can be enjoyed even during the day at lunch. Serve it slightly chilled - like champagne. Only then is its fruity-floral bouquet fully revealed.

Dry wines of Cyprus

In addition to the already mentioned "Othello", you need to say a few words about"Saint Ambelione" and "D'Ahere" from the KEO plant. These are red dry wines with medium density, complex, rich shades, taste and rich, bright fruity aroma. They are served mainly with meze - a Mediterranean meat dish, as well as beef steaks, duck and game. Red dry wines do not cool. At room temperature, their aroma and taste are most fully revealed. The leader among dry rosé wines is Coeur de Lyon (Lionheart). This drink has a pleasant berry-fruity aroma and excellent taste. Lionheart is served with European cuisine, baked or fried meat. Good drink as an aperitif. But in this case, the wine needs to be slightly cooled. You can also serve it at the end of the main meal - with cheeses and fresh fruits.

White wines

As we have already mentioned, the most highly valued drinks are from island varieties. If you want to buy white wines of Cyprus, reviews advise choosing those made on the basis of "xynisteri". There is also a drink with the same name - from the KEO plant. The reviews of "Fisbe" are very praised - a semi-dry white wine with a taste of grapefruit and apple. It is served well chilled with salads or as an aperitif. Alkion is recommended for fish dishes. This is a semi-dry wine with a delicate taste and aroma of fruits. Imported varieties of vines under the hot sun of Cyprus give birth to sweet berries, from which excellent drinks are obtained. You just won't recognize the familiar Shiraz, Riesling and Chardonnay. The wines take on aromas of fruit, lemon zest, honey and herbs, and their taste combines notes of melon and sweet peach.

Distillates

And finallylet's say that some wines of Cyprus are made very strong. The best cognac produced on the island is "Five Kings" from "KEO". They make vodka in Cyprus. "Ouzo" is a complete analogue of the Turkish raki. The leader in terms of strength is Zivania up to 49 degrees. This grape vodka is made from pulp. The best Zivania is made in Kykkos monastery.