Wines of Cyprus: types and composition

The wines of Cyprus have been popular for about four thousand years. But they obtained real world fame from one thousand three hundred and sixty-three. It was then that the "feast-tournament" was held in London. Five monarchs gathered at the same table, tasting various drinks. The most recognized leader was the "Commandaria" originally from Cyprus. Later such popularity of local wines served the island as a bad service. Selim the Second, the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, bearing the nickname "drunkard", went to war partly because of his fondness for local drinks.

Legend it or not, but smoke without fire does not happen. After all, only in Cyprus grows a variety of grapes "Mavro". Under the hot sun and in a somewhat arid climate, berries collect as many sugars as are considered unique. Many winemakers make their drinks exclusively from the "Mavro". Moreover, this liqueur ambrosia should be used in the year of the spill.

Terroir

In this article we will make a virtual wine tour around Cyprus. It will not cover the whole island. The areas where 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 variety of varieties is grown on the island that produces wine - Cyprus! Which it is better to say is difficult. It all depends not so much on the variety as on the terroir, the well-chosen blend and production technology.

Local varieties are especially cultivated here: "mavro", "ophthalmo", "xynisteri" and "marateftiko". But also imported vines - "Chardonnay", "Sauvignon", "Blanc", "Palomino", "Carignan", "Riesling" and others. Of the one hundred and fifty varieties of grapes that are cultivated on the island, produce beverages of different strengths: muscat, malaga, sherry, port. And, of course, dry white, red and rose wine. The scale of production is only indicated by the fact that seventy percent of production is exported. To the Cypriots, who also like to drink, only a quarter of the harvest remains.

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 house made of white stone under a tiled roof. In addition to the excursion, you can taste the top, considered traditional wines and buy the sample you like. If you rented a car, you can make an individual tour of the villages scattered in the foothills of Troodos. The owners of small wineries will be happy to dedicate you to the secrets of their production and to treat them with a drink of this crop.

Similarly, you can make an exciting tour in the vicinity of Paphos. But the best drinks on the island, which hosts a wine festival - Cyprus, you can try in Limassol. This ten-day holiday is held annually, beginning in 1961, in September. Local residents wear traditional costumes, prepare delicious dishes and dance national dances. And, of course, they spill wine to all those who are older than eighteen. The entrance to the municipal park in which the festival takes place is five euros per day per person. You still need to buy for 1Є glass. With him you can go to any counter and try everything that you like.

"Commandaria"

Let's start the tasting with the winner of the legendary "feast of the five kings". Maybe this is not the best wine in Cyprus, but certainly 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 Templars. They also founded the commander (headquarters) in Cyprus, near Limassol. We need to give justice to local winemakers. Monks only peeped the process of making this wonderful dessert drink. But with a skilfully conducted promotional campaign, "Commandaria" gained fame throughout Europe.

For this wine uses two local varieties: white "ksinister" and black "Mavro". The climate near the Kolossi tower (now there is a museum) is unique: a hot, dry summer and a rather cool winter. The harvest harvested right on the bunches wilts in the sun for a week. Then this almost raisin is sent to the press. The must is poured into clay amphoras, which are buried in the ground along the neck. Despite the fact that the wine is gaining a sufficiently large amount of sugars, it does not become cloying. Tannins, which add a pleasant astringency, affect the drink. The fortress of the Commandaria is no less than sixteen percent. This wine has a delightful mahogany color, a bright, rich aroma and characteristic taste with notes of raisins, caramel, cinnamon and honey. If you want to bring a souvenir from Cyprus, choose "Commando Saint John". The bottle will cost about ten euros.

Champagne

Another tasty wine in Cyprus is Bellapais. Call it champagne does not allow the rules of the European Union, according to which, so can be called beverages produced only in the province of the same name in France. But "Bellapais" is a sparkling dry wine. If the "Commandaria" used to be used for communion in churches, and now it is uncorked on special occasions, this white Cypriot champagne is drunk in the heat. The fortress of the drink is small - about eleven degrees, but it tones and refreshes perfectly.

Previously, wine was produced exclusively on the lands of the Bellapace monastery. The drink is characterized by light straw color, not too sweet, pleasant taste, deep and noble aroma. One can not help mentioning other Cypriot sparkling wines: "Mediterrian Breeze" (LOEL plant) and "Duc de Nicosia" (KEO). The first champagne is very sweet, but not cloying. It is easy to drink. "Duke 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 a high content of sugars. But while the drinks are devoid of sticky and sticky sugary. The best white semisweet wine is Aphrodite. This gentle drink will be an excellent present for the lady. It has a delicate, light taste, which can be called classic. In a complex bouquet of wine mixed tart aromas of grape seeds and freshly cut southern grasses. "Aphrodite" in Cyprus is usually served for a romantic dinner. This is partly justified by the name. But wine is not intoxicating, it only enhances your mood and tone. It is ideal for accompanying light dishes from fish and seafood. You can serve it as digestiv, to cheeses and fruits. "Aphrodite" should be slightly chilled - so you can better feel all the nuances of flavor and taste.

Men's drinks

The wines of Cyprus cater to not only the beautiful ladies, but also 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 glory of a male aphrodisiac. Only local varieties of grapes are involved in the creation of Othello. And the drink is aged in oak barrels. This gives it a noble woody flavor. In the bright, strong taste of red dry wine "Othello" can be heard notes of fruit and warm spices. His fortress is twelve degrees. From being in a bottle, the drink only becomes more noble - you can be sure of it by keeping it uncapped for three years. The taste of wine acquires a light sweetness and at the same time tartness. "Othello" is served to dishes of dark meat and game.

Fortified wines

Back in the eighties of the last century the main products exported were sherry. But even now the quality of this wine of Cyprus can not be ignored. Although the output of sherry has declined in recent years. In Cyprus, this drink is made in a special way. In a white dry wine , brandy of local production (for the fortress) and the old "Kammandariya" (for sweets) are added. After that, sherry is aged in old oak barrels, sometimes under the sun, making the drink ultimately acquires a complex, multifaceted aroma and a subtle, noble taste. Among the best examples of this type of wine is Fino from the KEO plant. Very good are also "Emva" (ETKO) and sherry winery "LOEL".

The wine "Saint Panteleimon" (Cyprus)

About this drink should be said separately. "Saint Panteleimon" is a semisweet wine of light straw color. Drink is popular at home (and beyond). This wine is usually served to dessert cheeses and fruits. It is ideal for an aperitif. At small parties it is served with canapés. Good "Saint Panteleimon" from "KEO" and in the performance of solo. Wine this reviews are called very easy. It is very refreshing, does not hit the head. Wine can be enjoyed even during the day at lunch. Give it a little chilled - like champagne. Only then is its fruit and flower bouquet fully revealed.

Dry wines of Cyprus

In addition to the already mentioned "Othello", you need to say a few words about the "St. Ambelion" and "D'Ahera" from the plant "KEO". These are red dry wines with medium density, complex, rich shades, taste and rich, bright fruit aroma. They are served mainly to meze - a Mediterranean dish of meat, as well as steaks from beef, duck and game. Red dry wines do not cool. At room temperature, their aroma and taste are revealed most fully. The leader among the pink dry wines is the "Cœur de Lyon" ("Lionheart"). This drink has a pleasant berry-fruit flavor and excellent taste. Give "Lion Heart" to dishes of European cuisine, baked or roasted meat. A drink is good as an aperitif. But in this case, the wine should be slightly cooled. You can serve it at the end of the main meal - to cheeses and fresh fruit.

White wines

As we have already mentioned, the most valuable are beverages from island varieties. If you want to buy white wines of Cyprus, the opinions are advised to choose those that are made on the basis of "ksiniisteri". There is also a drink with this name - from the plant "KEO". Very praise reviews "Fisbe" - a semi-dry white wine with a taste of grapefruit and apple. It is served well chilled to salads or an aperitif. Fish dishes are recommended by Alkion. This is a semi-dry wine with a delicate taste and aroma of fruit. Imported varieties of vines under the hot sun of Cyprus give rise to sweet berries, from which excellent drinks are obtained. You just do not recognize the familiar "Shiraz", "Riesling" and "Chardonnay". The wines acquire the aromas of fruits, lemon peel, honey and herbs, and in their taste the notes of melon and sweet peach are combined.

Distillates

And in conclusion we will say that some wines of Cyprus are made very strong. The best cognac produced on the island is the "Five Kings" from "KEO". They make vodka in Cyprus. "Uzo" is a complete analogue of Turkish cancers. The leader of the fortress is "Zivaniya" up to 49 degrees. This grape vodka is made from pulp. The best "Zivan" is done in the monastery of Kykkos.