INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR CYPRIOT WINES
CENTURIES OF KNOWLEDGE
Viticulture on the island is the product of centuries of knowledge. With this in mind, Cyprus wine is sometimes considered to directly reflect the island’s history, culture, and rugged Mediterranean landscapes.Â
SOMETHING UNIQUE & SPECIAL
Today, Cyprus produces a wide variety of different wines. These wines often use unique grape varieties that have been reared on the island for centuries. Some of these vines can only grow on the rugged foothills and sunny slopes of the Troodos Mountains, not only invoking something unique, but also something special.Â
INDIGENOUS GRAPE VARIETIES
The main three indigenous grape varieties on the island are ‘Maratheftiko’, and ‘Mavro’, which are mainly used to produce red wines and ‘Xynestyri’, which is used to produce white wines. A combination of these grapes is used to create ‘Commandaria’, the infamous Cyprus dessert wine.Â
INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION
The island of love has created a thriving wine industry that is rapidly gaining international recognition. This is further enforced by the fact that seasoned wine connoisseurs, as well as curious novices, from all over the world, are continually found admiring wines from Cyprus and all they have to offer.Â
A GOOD RANGE OF WINESÂ
The Cyprus wine industry offers a good range of crisp whites, all the way up to some bold full-bodied reds. The wine-growing regions of Paphos and in particular Limassol, continue to innovate by leading the viticulture movement on the island. Several grape varieties are continually grown in these two regions, producing a wide range of quality wines.Â
NEW WINESÂ Â
Constant innovation by the islands wine producers continues. This has ssens indegenous Cypriot grape varieties merged with other mainstream European grape varieties. This continual experimenting has created several new Cypriot variations of good quality wines. Â
Here are just a few examples of the rich and diverse world of Cyprus wine
Commandaria:Â The Wine of Kings
One of the most iconic and traditional Cypriot wines is Commandaria. This sweet, amber-coloured dessert wine has a history that dates back several centuries. Dubbed as ‘the wine of the kings, and the king of wines’, by none other than Richard the Lionheart, this wine is made from sun-dried grapes that are aged in oak barrels. Commandaria is the perfect accompaniment to a cheese platter or a chocolate dessert.
Ayia Mavri Moshatos: A Sweet Pleasure
The lesser-known Ayia Mavri Moshato is another Cypriot amber sweet dessert wine. It offers a rich clarity and a sweet floral aroma for a unique and indulgent drinking experience. The wine’s sweet taste is balanced by a delicate acidity, providing a smooth and satisfying finish. Ayia Mavri Moshato is best paired with desserts such as fruit tarts, chocolate, or cheesecake.Â
Xynisteri: The Flagship White Wine of Cyprus
This indigenous grape is grown exclusively in Cyprus and produces a crisp, refreshing white wine that offers several citrus and floral notes. Xynisteri is often compared to Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio but maintains its distinctive character. Reflecting the island’s sunny climate, Xynisteri is the perfect accompaniment to seafood, salads, or light pasta dishes.
Maratheftiko: A Bold Red with Personality
This indigenous grape is grown exclusively in Cyprus and produces bold, full-bodied red wines. This grape has been gaining popularity in recent years thanks to its intense colour, rich fruity flavours, and spicy finish. Maratheftiko is often blended with other grape varieties, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Shiraz, to add depth and structure. Maratheftiko pairs well with hearty meat dishes or mature cheeses.
