Cyprus wines have been popular for about four thousand years. But they gained real world fame with a thousand three hundred and sixty-third years. It was then that a “feast tournament” was held in London. Five monarchs gathered at one table tasted various drinks. The recognized leader was the Commandaria, originally from Cyprus. Later, such popularity of local wines served the island poorly. Selim II, the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, nicknamed the “drunkard,” went to war in Cyprus partly because he really liked the local drinks.
Legend is it or not, but there is no smoke without fire. Indeed, only in Cyprus does the Mavro grape variety grow. Under the hot sun and in a somewhat arid climate, berries collect so many sugars that they are considered unique. Many winemakers make their drinks exclusively from the Mavro. And to use this liquor ragweed should be 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 the vines are grown occupy a rather small 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 grown on the island that produces wines - Cyprus! Which is better is hard to say. It all depends not so much on the variety as on the terroir, well-chosen blend and production technology.
Local varieties are especially cultivated here: Mavro, Ophthalmo, Xinisteri and Marateftiko. But also imported vines are cultivated - “Chardonnay”, “Sauvignon”, “Blanc”, “Palomino”, “Carignan”, “Riesling” and others. Of the one hundred and fifty grape varieties that are cultivated on the island, they produce drinks of various strengths: muscat, malaga, sherry, and port. And, of course, dry white, red and pink wine. The scale of production is indicated only by the fact that seventy percent of the products are exported. The Cypriots themselves, who also love to drink, have only a quarter of the crop left.
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 Wine Museum. This is a traditional white stone house under a tiled roof. In addition to the tour, you can taste top-end, considered traditional wines and purchase your favorite sample. If you rented a car, you can take an individual tour of the villages scattered in the foothills of the Troodos. The owners of small wineries will be happy to devote you to the secrets of their production and treat you to a drink of this crop.
Similarly, you can take a fascinating tour in the vicinity of Paphos. But the best drinks on the island, which hosts the Wine Festival, Cyprus, can be tasted in Limassol. This ten-day holiday is held annually, starting in 1961, in September. Locals put on traditional costumes, prepare delicious dishes and dance national dances. And, of course, wine is being poured to everyone over eighteen. The entrance to the municipal park in which the festival takes place is five euros per person per day. You also need to buy for 1Є a glass. With it you can go to any counter and try everything that you like.
Commandaria
We start the tasting with the winner of the legendary "feast of the five kings." Maybe this is not the best wine in Cyprus, but, of course, the most famous. It dates 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 commander (headquarters) in Cyprus, near Limassol. It is necessary to give justice to local winemakers. The monks only spied on the process of making this wonderful dessert drink. But with the skillfully conducted promotion, Commandaria gained fame throughout Europe.
Two local varieties are used for this wine: white “xinister” and black “mavro”. The climate near the Kolossi Tower (now a museum there) is unique: hot, dry summers and fairly cool winters. Harvested directly on the clusters wilted in the sun for a week. Then this almost raisin is sent under the press. The wort is poured into clay amphoras, which are buried neck in the ground. Despite the fact that the wine is gaining a fairly large amount of sugars, it does not become cloying. Tannins affect the drink, adding a pleasant astringency. Fortress "Commandaria" - at least sixteen percent. This wine has an amazing mahogany color, a bright, rich aroma and a characteristic taste with notes of raisins, caramel, cinnamon and honey. If you want to bring a souvenir from Cyprus, choose the Commandaria Saint-John. A bottle will cost about ten euros.
Champagne
Another tasty wine in Cyprus is Bellapais. The rules of the European Union do not allow calling it champagne, according to which drinks made only in the province of France with the same name can be called. But Bellapice is a dry sparkling wine. If the 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, however, it perfectly tones and refreshes.
Previously, wine was produced exclusively on the lands of Bellapais Monastery. The drink is characterized by a light straw color, not too sweet, pleasant taste, deep and noble aroma. One cannot fail to mention other Cypriot sparkling wines: Mediterrian Breeze (LOEL factory) and Duc de Nicosia (KEO). The first champagne is very sweet, but not sugary. It is drunk easily. Duc de Nicosia is not a dessert drink at all. It is characterized by a delicate aroma.
Lady's drinks
The best wines of Cyprus are characterized by high sugar content. 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 gift for a lady. It has a delicate, light taste that can be called classic. In a complex bouquet of wine, the astringent aromas of grape seed and freshly cut southern herbs blended. "Aphrodite" in Cyprus is usually served for a romantic dinner. This is partly justified by the name. But the wine is not intoxicating, but only improves mood and tone. It is ideal for accompanying light fish and seafood dishes. You can also serve it as a digestif, with cheese and fruit. “Aphrodite” should be drunk slightly chilled - so 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 stronger sex. A good souvenir for a loved one will be Othello. This dry red wine is very popular on the island and even has the fame of a male aphrodisiac. Only local grape varieties are involved in the creation of Othello. And the drink is aged in oak barrels. This gives it a noble woody aroma. In the bright, strong taste of dry dry Othello wine, notes of fruit and warm spices are heard. Its fortress is twelve degrees. From being in a bottle, the drink only becomes more noble - this can be seen by keeping it uncorked for three years. The taste of wine acquires a light sweetness and at the same time astringency. Othello serves dark meat and game dishes.
Fortified wines
Back in the eighties of the last century, sherry was the main exported product. But even now the quality of this Cyprus wine cannot be ignored. Although the output of sherry in recent years has declined. In Cyprus, this drink is made in a special way. In dry white wine add local brandy (for fortress) and the old "Kammandaria" (for sweetness). After that, the 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 factory KEO. Emva (ETKO) and the sherry of the LOEL winery are also very good.
Wine "St. Panteleimon" (Cyprus)
This drink should be said separately. "Saint Panteleimon" is a semi-sweet wine of light straw color. The drink is popular at home (and beyond). This wine is usually served with dessert cheeses and fruits. It is ideal for an aperitif. At small parties it is served with canapes. Good “Saint Panteleimon” from “KEO” and performed solo. Wine is called this review very light. It is very refreshing, does not hit the head. You can enjoy wine even during the day at lunch. They serve it slightly chilled - like champagne. Only then is his fruit and flower bouquet fully revealed.
Dry wines of Cyprus
In addition to the already mentioned Othello, a few words need to be said about Saint Ambelion and D'Acher from the KEO factory. These are dry red wines with medium density, complex, rich in shades, taste and rich, vibrant fruity aroma. They are served mainly with meze - a Mediterranean meat dish, as well as beef steaks, duck and game. Dry red wines do not cool. At room temperature, their aroma and taste are revealed most fully. The leader among dry pink wines is the Coeur de Lyon (Lionheart). This drink has a pleasant berry-fruit aroma and excellent taste. Serve "Lionheart" to dishes of European cuisine, baked or fried meat. Good drink as an aperitif. But in this case, the wine needs to be slightly cooled. You can serve it at the end of the main meal - with cheeses and fresh fruits.
White wines
As we have already mentioned, drinks from island varieties are most appreciated. If you want to buy white wines of Cyprus, reviews are advised to choose those that are made on the basis of Xinisteri. There is also a drink with the same name - from the KEO factory. The reviews of Fisbe are very praised - semi-dry white wine with the taste of grapefruit and apple. It is served well chilled with salads or an aperitif. Alkion is recommended for fish dishes. This is a semi-dry wine with a delicate taste and aroma of fruit. Imported vines under the hot sun of Cyprus give birth to sweet berries, which make excellent drinks. You just don’t recognize the familiar Shiraz, Riesling and Chardonnay. The wines acquire the aromas of fruits, lemon zest, honey and herbs, and in their taste notes of melon and sweet peach are combined.
Distillates
And in conclusion, we say that some of the wines of Cyprus are made very strong. The best cognac produced on the island is considered to be the "Five Kings" from "KEO". They make vodka in Cyprus. “Uzo” is a complete analogue of Turkish crayfish. The leader in the fortress is Zivan up to 49 degrees. This grape vodka is made from pulp. The best “Zivania” is being made at Kykkos Monastery.