TASTING IS BELIEVING... “Among some of the world’s most famous , one stands out: .” PUBLISHED BY The Trade Center - Olivier Poussier, 2000 in New York World’s Best .

“The local industry has PHOTOS CTO archives committed itself to producing superior quality wine with a true expression of Cyprus Wine Museum CYPRUS TRADE CENTER the Cypriot and typicity of the IN NEW YORK local varietals. Their vision is to reflect RESOURCES T: 212.213.9100 the rich history of Cyprus wine and the Yiannos Constantinou [email protected] feelings and character of the Cyprus The Cyprus Wine Guide www.ctcny.org soil and its people.” Oinou Symvouleftiki Ltd Ron Kapon, The Society for Wine Florentia Kythreotou CYPRUS TOURISM ORGANIZATION Educators, The Wine Media The Book of Cyprus Wine www.visitcyprus.com Guild, Tasters Guild International, Intercollege Press Emeritus of Acker, Merrall & Condi.

“[In Cyprus,] stretches of beach miles long ascend to the high Massif. Magnificent mosaic floors from Greek and Roman villas make SPECIAL THANKS you feel as if you are walking on Wine and Spirits Professor diamonds. Churches painted with at the Culinary Institute breathtaking murals centuries old of America Michael Weiss grace every .” & Sommelier Susanna Hoffman, Author of the Georgios Hadjistylianou book The Olive and The Caper, Adventures in Greek Cooking. A TASTE SENSATION FROM TASTE 5,500 YEARS OF HI STORY THE LAND OF APHRODITE IN A GLASS OF WINE YOU HAVE YET TO EXPERIENCE; WINES FROM CYPRUS Cyprus is the third largest island in the 4,000 years ago settlers from the mainland Mediterranean Sea and one of the most coast to the east came to Cyprus and, “I was impressed by the commitment of the romantic. According to mythology, the Greek although there is no firm evidence to prove local wine industry to producing quality wine Goddess of love and Beauty Aphrodite was it, it is virtually certain that they would have with a true expression of the Cypriot terroir and born in Cyprus. It is no wonder that back in brought their wine - producing vines with typicity of the indigenous varietals.” the days when Rome held sway over the them. When the Greeks settled in Cyprus Ron Kapon civilized world, Mark Anthony gave Cyprus to around 1200 B.C. it is likely they would have Cleopatra, the legendary Queen of Egypt, as found wine already here, but of a different an ultimate love token. The island possesses style to the wines they were accustomed a unique and captivating beauty. to. Thus, it is likely dint there has been a wine industry in Cyprus continuously longer than anywhere else in the world. Facts are supported by legend and history. The Song Lying in the sparkling blue waters of the Eastern have been grown for in Cyprus terroir and typicity of the indigenous varietals. Their of Solomon praises Cyprus wines. In 800 B.C., Mediterranean Sea, at the crossroads between as far back as 5000 B.C., and both Babylonian and vision is to reflect the rich history of Cyprus wine and Hesiodos described the making of Cyprus Europe, Africa and Asia, Cyprus is a country of alluring Jerusalem Talmuds specifically mention “Ya’in the feelings and character of the Cyprus soil and its wines. The Greek poet Euripides write of vast beaches and fragrant mountain peaks, Kafrisin” - Hebrew for “” - as a sacrament people”. pilgrimages to Cyprus to taste the wine, or as studded with olive trees and ancient ruins that stir in religious rituals during the time of the First and it was then known “Cyprus Nama”. Legend the imagination. Second Temple in Jerusalem. The island’s long, sunny Mediterranean summers has it that the first mortal to be taught to are a great asset to winemaking ripening the fruit make wine was Ikarios, whose teacher was It is a place of great diversity and balance where Today, a great deal of resources and effort have been and giving it its full flavor. Winters are mild and the , the god of wine himself. The scene the latest trends meet the oldest traditions, where invested into the rediscovering of Cyprus indigenous gentle winds and breezes check the frosts, dispel the is, in fact, depicted in a mosaic scene in the investing and business opportunities are as exciting varieties, many of which date back to classical fogs and protect the vines and grapes from fungus house of Dionysus at Pafos, in Cyprus, in as dancing on one of its long sandy beaches. times, producing not only superior quality wine but diseases. Cyprus remains one of the few - the Pafos Archaeological Park where other also with an original Cypriot character. free wine-producing countries in the world. vinous scenes are also to be viewed. As well Cyprus is one of the first countries in which as this, fascinating archaeological evidence of and wine production were practiced. The oldest After his recent visit to Cyprus, Ron Kapon, wine Try treating your taste buds to the flavors and vine culture and wine making is to be seen in named wine in the world with of origin, and travel writer wrote “I was impressed by the aromas of five thousand years of winemaking. museums and other places. Commandaria, still in production has been made commitment of the local wine industry to producing Taste to believe it! there with the same method since at least 1,000 B.C. quality wine with a true expression of the Cypriot IMPORTED VARIETAILS Although most of the wine-grapes grown on the island INDIGENOUS GRAPES INDIGENOUS GRAPES INDIGENOUS GRAPES INDIGENOUS GRAPES INDIGENOUS GRAPES are indigenous varietals, there has been a large variety INDIGENOUS GRAPES INDIGENOUS GRAPES INDIGENOUS GRAPES INDIGENOUS GRAPES INDIGENOUS GRAPES CYPRIOT VINEYARD of grapes imported to the island (approximately 60). MAVRO , , Semillon and constitute the international team of white wines grown Is a red varietal and dominates the Cypriot vineyard covering 5,700 hectares. It is very productive and & GRAPE VARIETIES in Cyprus which are produced in small quantities and characterized by large juicy grapes that make it a superb table variety. Its grapes produce balanced, have a characteristic that is essentially Cyprus. Some slightly astringent wines with a weak color and aroma which are not amenable to long-term ageing. The vineyards of Cyprus are among the very OFTHALMO of the highlights of the red wines imported to Cyprus The best results come from grapes grown in the mountainous regions of Pitsilia, Laona (Lemesos few vineyards of the world not affected A red local variety that is cultivated in small quantities (about 170 hectares) scattered all over the include (France), region), and Afames. The poor barren soils in these areas make for lower productivity but higher by the vine louse, known as phylloxera, a Cypriot vineyard but predominantly in certain areas of the Pitsilia region, such as Agros and Ayios (France), (Australia), Noir (France) and concentration, in contrast to lower altitudes and more fertile soils. Until recently, Mavro accounted disease that fell upon the greatest part of Theodoros, in the region and in the Wine Villages of Lemessos. This grape can produce Mourvèdre or Mataro (Spain). for over 80% of Cyprus’ vineyards. However this percentage has been decreasing year by year as Europe’s vineyards at the beginning of the wines of light color, distinctive intense aroma and very low acidity which are not ideal for ageing. new varieties are imported. 20th century. Having escaped phylloxera, The regions of Pitsilia and the Wine Villages of Lemessos yield the best quality results. the Cyprus wines are self-sown plants of the SECRETS MARATHEFTIKO/VAMVAKADA European Vinifera retaining their classic XYNISTERI Is a very rare red variety scattered around Cyprus’ vineyards (150 hectares) but most densely organoleptic characteristics as well as the The important point about wine tasting is not so much Is the prevailing white grape variety of Cyprus with 2,200 hectares planted. It produces excellent concentrated through the mountain regions of Paphos and in Pitsilia, where the variety is known as potential of a long life. what you find, it is the simple act of looking. light-colored with low alcohol levels (11-11.5% vol.) and low to medium acidity. It is Vambakada. It can produce rosès and light reds to red wines suitable for ageing. it gives high quality mainly found in the regions of the Akamas Laona, Ambelitis, Panayias and Pitsilia. Xynisteri wines of intense color and full body with distinctive fruity aromas of cherries and blackberries. Cypriot Cyprus displays several native grape varieties, • How much aroma does this wine have? wines are not suitable for ageing and must be drunk when young one year at most after production. producers are increasingly investing in this variety, enchanted by the wines it produces and enticed which account for the vast majority of the • Is it pleasant or unpleasant, simple or complex? This is the only other grape, with mavro, that is used for making Commandaria. by its potential. Maratheftiko has a serious propensity to bud loss which limits its productivity and production, and provide truly unique wines • How much flavor, and of what sort? is one of the world’s few non-hermaphroditic vines. Its buds are females and have to be planted in with distinct tastes and aroma profiles. There • How dominant is its acidity? mixed vineyards to ensure pollination. are approximately 15 indigenous varieties • How long does it last on the tongue after you of which the most largely cultivated are swallow? Xynisteri, Mavro, Ofthalmo and Maratheftiko • Is the flavor awkward or balanced? or Vamvakada. These grapes constitute • Is it multilayered or monotone? What about truly undiscovered, new and breathtaking texture? alternatives to the varietals that have • How allusive is it? dominated the market. After practicing on answering these questions, you will start approaching what you drink in a new way. Just remember to mobilize both the eye, the nose, the mouth and ask yourself questions. 1. Akamas Laona WINE CLASSIFICATIONS 2. Vouni Panayias 3. The Wine Villages of Lemesos () & REGIONS 4. Commandaria 5. Pitsilia There are four viticultural regions 1. Vouni Panayias in Cyprus, which acquire the Ambeliti is in the western part of the island, in , at an altitude of over 2,600 foot and comprises the regions right of producing wines with the of Ambelitis, , Kilinia and Panayia. White wines must use Xynisteri as the basic constituent, at least 85%. Red OEOP label (Wines of Controlled wines are produced in two ways: the basic constituent must be either one of the two indigenous varieties of Maratheftiko Appellation of Origin). These wines or Ofthalmo to a level of at least 85%, or the local Mavro variety, at least 60% supplemented by over 30% of one of the are constituted on a large scale, specified recommended varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Syrah. E by the local varieties of Mavro and Xynisteri, and on a smaller scale, 2. Akamas Laona by Ofthalmo and Maratheftiko. Akamas Laona lies near the northwest coast of Cyprus and comprises the six village communities of Drousia, Inia, , Here are the four viticultural regions , Panos Arodes and . White wines of the region may bare the AOC classification as long as at least in Cyprus, which are granted the 85% of the blend is derived from the local white variety of Xynisteri, while in the case of red wines, at least 85% of the blend permission for producing quality should come from one or two local red varieties of Maratheftiko or Ofthalmo. wines bearing the classification of Controlled Appellation of Origin. 3. The Wine Villages of Lemesos Outside the four designated The Wine Villages of Lemesos, 20 in total, lie on the southern slopes of the , facing Lemesos. Prominent regions of origin, table wines may in the Wine Villages are two sub-regions: Afames, which lies on the east of Ha-Potami river, and Laona, which lies on the be produced which may or may west of the river. The production of both white and in the Wine Villages is based on the same grape varieties and not bear a regional indication on regulations as those of the Pitsilia region. the label. When they have such an indication, they will fall into one 4. Commandaria of the four categories of Lefkosia, Only grapes of the native varieties of Xynisteri and Mavro harvested from the registered vineyards of the 14 villages in the Lemesos, or Pafos Regional Commandaria Region that lie at the foothills of the Troodos mountains can be used for the production of Commandaria. Wine, which correspond to the French “” wines. 5. Pitsilia This region comprises no less than 32 villages, all situated on the slopes of Madari (one of the highest mountain peaks in the island), Papoutsa and the northwest slopes of Maheras. For the production of white wines, Xynisteri may constitute at least 85% of the blend and for red wines either Maratheftiko or Ofthalmo must constitute at least 85% of the blend, or the blend may be made up of 60% Mavro and 30% of one of the specified recommended varieties. of the native varieties Xynisteri and Mavro FACT.01: Winemaking in Cyprus has a AMBROSIA are used for Commandaria, harvested from history going back thousands of years. In registered vineyards in 14 mountain villages Medieval times Cyprus wines were successfully FROM CYPRUS in the Commandaria region that lie on the exported, as the sweet wines that were foothills of the Troodos mountains. FACTS & Commandaria is an exciting wine in a produced there travelled well. Conversely the relatively dry wines produced in Europe were history-filled bottle! The oldest wine still in PRODUCTION more vulnerable to bacteria and turned into production has been made in Cyprus since at The grapes, Xynisteri and Mavro, are vinegar within days. This all changed in the least 1,000 BC. exposed to the sun for one week after WINE Commandaria is a wine celebrated by Homer harvesting (regulations set the minimum 16th century when Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) began to be used as a preservative. and poured as the wine of choice by the ripeness) to concentrate the sugars and reach FACT.02: Cyprus vineyards amount to Pharaohs of ancient Egypt. Marc Antony between 19-23 Baume. After slow , 17,000 hectares– about 10% of the island’s and Cleopatra are said to have toasted each the sugar-rich-wine ferments slowly until the agricultural land, producing some 90,000 tons other with it. How amazing that this very process stops naturally due to the high sugar of grapes a year and some 20% of agricultural same wine is available to us now, made in content. At this point, Commandaria can be labor is employed in looking after them. In essentially the same way and from the very viné, a process which fortifies the wine with terms of the percentage of land dedicated to same places of Cyprus. alcohol after fermentation. grapevines, Cyprus is among the world’s top Then the wine is taken down to Limassol, producer of vine products. It is not only the history but also on the southern coast of Cyprus, to start a FACT.03: A typical year in Cyprus winemaking Commandaria’s taste that takes it beyond minimum of two years of aging much like the that of many other dessert wines. The system in Spain. starts in December when the vines are pruned. The new vines are planted right after, from aromas in the mouth are similar to those February to April. Harvesting takes place that reach the nose and remind one of grape “Here, the mythical Commandaria, a true nectar, between August and October. Unlike most juice syrup, raisins, dried figs and apricots, develops incredible aromatic complexity, in the of Europe, the best Cyprus grapes are grown nuts, quince-pulp jelly, coffee and chocolate! great tradition of the passerillé Mediterranean on north-facing vineyards which receive less However, the concentration of its taste is wines made with grapes dried by over- direct sunlight and are grown in conditions of closely linked to the length of ageing period, maturation,” said Olivier Poussier. higher humidity. This produces a grape that the wine has gone through. Only grapes matures later. FACT.04: The use of barrels in the HOW TO SERVE COMMANDARIA production of dry white and red wines is a 04. perfect foodmate comparatively new practice on the island. Prof. Michael Weiss suggests that Commandaria 01. temperature 02. the right glass 03. gustatory crescendo Most tend to prefer French complements dessert flavors as diverse as maple, Commandaria should be well Commandaria is served in small stemmed In a course of a meal, it should oak, but barrels from American oak are not chocolate, caramel, ice-cream, and cheesecake. chilled at 43 to 48° F before glasses with a comparatively short stem be served at the end with or uncommon. It also goes well with preserved sweets many of which are served to bring out all its aroma and a long cup with inwardly sloping sides instead of the dessert. found in the Cypriot and , and are prepared and flavor. to retain the wine’s rich bouquet. from fruits, such as figs, quinces, bitter oranges and others. HISTORY class

1191 A.D. There are now more than 40 wineries in Richard The Lion Heart occupied Cyprus and Cyprus, most of which are situated in the finally sold it to Guy de Lusignan, the French traditional vineyard regions of Paphos and “King of Jerusalem” who became the founder of Limassol districts. The traditional Big Four the Lusignan dynasty that reigned over Cyprus wineries (KEO, ETKO, SODAP and LOEL) for over 3 centuries. produce several million bottles a year. Others are small boutique wineries, that produce a 1192 - 1489 A.D. few hundred thousand bottles and still others During Lusignan reign, Cyprus swarmed with are lilliputian, with a production below one Western European settlers, mainly Catholic hundred thousand bottles per year. Besides crusaders. Among those were the knights of St. size, the wineries vary in age as well. Some John (after whom one of today’s Commandarias have been in existence for several decades, was named). Their headquarters, the while others were set up only a few years Commanderie or Commandaria, were on ago. Irrespective of size, age and location, Castle (picture right), and the area around it, all have the same objective – to produce known as “Grande Commanderi,” was covered superior quality wine with the distinctive and with vineyards and plantation of sugar, cotton unique character of Cyprus. Indeed, certain and wheat. The knights of St. John became local winemakers have to their credit gold involved with the production of Commandaria, medals won in recognized international wine improved its quality and elevated the wine to its competitions. One can familiarize with the greatest demand at the time. wineries and their products by visiting the websites listed under Directory in this booklet. TIMELESS Additional information on Cyprus Wine As much then as now, Commandaria has Routes and Regions at: www.visitcyprus.com been praised for its exceptional quality by distinguished personalities of their times. Commandaria of today still bears the name that was given by the knights of St. John, and is produced with the same method as then. LARGEST WINE PRODUCERS AYIA MAYRI Kilani, Limassol, Cyprus CHADJIANTONAS WINERY LTD , Limassol, Cyprus TSALAPATIS WINES CO LTD , Paphos, Cyprus ETKO LTD Limassol, Cyprus Tel.: +35725470225, +35799491649 Tel.: +35799636904, +35725991199 Tel.: +35726938101, +35799624929 Tel.: +35725573391, +35799450568 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] - Web: www.hadjiantonas.com.cy Email: [email protected] - Web: www.tsalapatiswinery.com Email: [email protected], [email protected] Web: www.ayiamavri.com ZAMBARTAS WINERIES LTD Agios Ambrosios, Limassol, Cyprus KALAMOS WINERY Paphos, Cyprus Web: www.etkowines.com NIKOLETINO WINES Arsos, Limassol, Cyprus Tel.: +35725942424,+35799615566 Tel.: +35726723224, +35799450568 KEO PLC Limassol, Cyprus Tel.: +35725723700, +35799437137 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] - Web: www.kalamoswinery.com Tel.: +35725853100 Email: [email protected] - Web: www.nikolettino.com Web: www.zambartaswineries.com STERNA WINERY Kathikas Paphos, Cyprus Email: [email protected], @keogroup.com VARDALIS WINERY Kilani, Limassol, Cyprus Tel.: +35726991922, +35799699082 Web: www.keogroup.com Tel.: +35725811444, +35796732308 PAPHOS Region Wineries Email: [email protected] - Web: www.sternawinery.com SHOUFAS WINERY Kilinia, Paphos, Cyprus LOEL LTD Limassol, Cyprus Email: [email protected] - Web: www.vardaliswinery.com CHR. TSANGARIDES WINERY Paphos, Cyprus Tel.: +35799435436, +35722442744 Tel.: +35725202020 VLASIDES WINERY LTD Kilani, Limassol, Cyprus Tel.: +35726722277, +35726963789 Email: [email protected] - Web: www.shoufas.com Email: [email protected] - Web: www.loel.com.cy Tel.: +35725471482, +35799441574 Email: [email protected] VOUNI PANAYIAS WINERY Panayia, Paphos, Cyprus SODAP LTD Limassol, Cyprus Email: [email protected] Web: www.tsangarideswinery.com Tel.: +35726722770, +35799453138 Tel.: +35726633000, +35725564605 Web: www.vlassideswinery.com MAKKAS WINERY Agios Photios, Paphos, Cyprus Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] - Web: www.sodap.com.cy LINOS WINERY , Limassol, Cyprus Tel.: +35777772221, +35726722422 Web: www.vounipanayiawinery.com Tel.: +35725422700, +35799672104 E-mail: [email protected] LIMASSOL Region Wineries Email: [email protected] K&K VASILIKO WINERY LTD Kathikas, Paphos, Cyprus Web-site: www.makkaswinery.com.cy VASILIKO WINERY Kyperounta, Limassol, Cyprus Web: www.linoswinery.com Tel.: +35726633237, +35726632520 Email: [email protected] - Web: www.vasilikon.com Tel.: +35725532043, +35799589612 MENARGOS WINERY LTD , Limassol, Cyprus Region Wineries E-mail: [email protected] - Web: www.ppgroup.com.cy Tel.: +35725433674, +35799478279 FIKARDOS WINERY-FIKARDOS DISTILLERIES LTD Nicosia, Cyprus NICOLAIDES BROS WINERY , Limassol, Cyprus Email: [email protected] - Web: www.menargos.net , Paphos, Cyprus Tel.: +35722942729, +35799562977 Tel.: +35726949814, +35726937439 E-mail: [email protected] Tel.: +35725333882, +35722355211 TSIAKKAS WINERY , Limassol, Cyprus Email: [email protected] - Web: www.fikardoswines.com E-mail: [email protected] Tel.: +35725991080, +35799567898 OINOTECNIA AES AMBELIS Kalo Chorio Orinis, Nicosia, Cyprus LAMBOURI WINERY K. , Limassol, Cyprus Email: [email protected] NELION WINERY LTD Praitori, Paphos, Cyprus Tel.: +35722773738, +35799651361 Tel.: +35725421329, +35799440048 Web: www.tsiakkaswinery.com Tel.: 25442445, 99666414 Email: [email protected] - Web: www.aesambelis.com Email: [email protected] - Web: www.lambouri.com E-mail: [email protected] - Web: www.nelionwinery.com R&A VASA WINERY LTD Vasa Kilaniou, Limassol, Cyprus LARNACA Region Winery M. ANTONIADES WINERY Mandria, Limassol, Cyprus Tel. +35725945999, +35725945888 EZOUSA AGROKTIMA LTD , Paphos, Cyprus KTIMA CHRISTOUDIA Kato Dris, Larnaca, Cyprus Tel.: +35725422638, +35725384121 Email: [email protected] - Web: www.vasawinery.com Tel.: +35770008844, +35799415909 Tel.: +35799034828, +35799813075 Email: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] - Web: www.ezousa.com Email: [email protected] Web: www.antoniadeswinery.com Web: www.ktimachristoudia.com Cyprus Embassy Trade Center New York www.ctcny.org