Cyprus Wine – An Ancient TraditionCyprus wine has been produced for over 5000 years. They have been drunk by Roman nobility and Egyptian pharoahs and today there are over 200 types to sample.
Some wines are made from indigenous grapes, while some well-known imported varieties such as Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Blanche are also grown on the island. In recent years, Cyprus grapes have been blended with those from abroad with popular results. Both international and Cyprus wines are available to buy in restaurants, bars and hotels and you will often find the locally produced wines much cheaper. Cypriots have become so proud of their wines, many of which are produced by indigenous grapes, that Limassol now holds an annual wine festival. Wine connoisseurs may also like o visit the Cyprus Wine Museum located at Erimi village.
CommandariaCommandaria is a sweet dessert wine made from the indigenous Cyprus grapes of Mavro and Xyristeri. The wine changes colour with age, starting as a light honey colour in its early years and gradually getting darker. Older wines can be a ruby colour and leave a strong, lingering aftertaste. The wine is best served chilled and goes well with most Cypriot desserts. It works with cheese courses and is delicious with blue cheese.Commandaria is one the world’s oldest wines with a history extending over 2000 years and was the first wine to be named. Its origins were based at Kolossi Castle where the Knights Templar held their headquarters, which were known as the Grande Commanderie. Commandaria was also served at the wedding of Richard the Lionheart and Berengaria. Commandaria is easy to recognise, as the bottle labels often depict Kolossi Castle or scenes from the Crusades.
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