Wine Related Articles

Cyprus Wines- 1,000 Years of History
By: Ron Kapon	<< back   Page 2 of 2

The purpose of my visit was to see and taste the indigenous grape varieties grown on the island. I skipped the Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz, Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc that can grow anywhere in the world. “The aim is to produce not only a superior quality wine but also a wine with an original Cypriot character.” The local wine industry has committed itself to producing quality wine with a true expression of the Cypriot terroir and typicity of the local varietals. Their vision is to reflect the rich history of Cyprus wine and the feelings and character of the Cyprus soil and its people. I opted for Mavro (widely planted red that is best used in blending); Xynisteri (most popular white variety; drink it young) Maratheftiko (not widely planed but the hope for the future in red wines; ages well) Ofthalmo (small quantity red) Lefkada (red grape brought from Greece), Spourtiko (white), Muscat of Alexandria (technically not an indigenous variety; often blended with Xynisteri to produce sweet wines) and their local fire water spirit Zivania (think Grappa). All the Big Four also produce Cyprus brandy, Ouzo and other distilled products.

Commandaria is supposedly the oldest “appellation d’origine” wine in the world and has been made on the island since at least 1,000 B.C. It is produced from the indigenous Mavro and Xynisteri grape varieties grown in the confines of the Commandaria Region (14 villages). The grapes are laid out to partially dry in the sun before pressing and fermenting into a dark, sweet wine. The addition of wine-origin alcohol brings the product up to 14-15% alcohol. It spends a minimum of two years in barrels (some as many as 10 years) using the Spanish Solera system. New rules now allow for vintage dating. Total exports are about 60,000 cases.

A good place to start your sojourn would be the Cyprus Wine Museum located a few miles west of Limassol (my home for 6 days). The museum opened in 2004 in the former home of Cypriot composer Anastasia Guy, who was present the day I visited. There are artifacts, photographs, signboards and a ten-minute film with music composed by Ms. Guy. The wine products of 32 wineries are on display in the tasting room.

I visited wineries in the town of Limassol and both east and west of town. Another day I toured the Pafos area about a 1 ¼ hours from Limassol. Most of the wineries visited were labors of love. Some of the owner/winemakers studied oenology in America, Greece, France, and Australia. They have a passion for producing wines that the world would enjoy drinking. Many are imported into the United States but, except for Commandaria, in very small quantities. It is time to try something different. I welcome your comments.

For more information

Cyprus Trade Commission- www.cyprustradeny.org – (212) 213-9100

Cyprus Tourism Organization- www.cyprustourism.org – (212) 683-5280

Cyprus Wine Museum- www.cypruswinemuseum.com

Nestor Imports- www.nestorimports.com – (212) 267-1133

Athenee Importers- www.atheneeimporters.com – (516) 505-4800

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