Below are some of the most common Cypriot wine brands that give a glimpse of the wines that Cyprus has to offer.
Commandaria
Commandaria is perhaps the most famous Cypriot wine, which is called the wine of kings. This wine is a type of dessert wine and has been made for centuries from dried grapes, particularly Xynisteri and Mavro.
Commandaria is amber-coloured and tastes of nuts, honey and dried fruits. It is good with cheese and desserts, and thus, it is a good suggestion for anyone who wants to try Cypriot wine.
Xynisteri
Xynisteri is the most popular white grape variety in Cyprus, and its wines are described as refreshing and similar to Sauvignon Blanc.
This native grape variety grows well in the sunny climate and the soil that is rich in stones on the island and produces wines that are characterised by high acidity and floral aromas.
Some of the well-known brands include Kolios Persefoni, Xynisteri and Vouni Panayia, Alina Medium Dry, Xynisteri, which are well-reputed and are often ordered in local restaurants and wine lists.
Maratheftiko
It is a rather intense red grape that has only recently begun to be recognized. It is very dark and has a high fruit concentration; it can be spicy and rather full-bodied.
Maratheftiko wines are best when produced by Aes Ambelis and Makkas and should be consumed with heavy meat meals or mature cheeses.
This grape variety is native to Cyprus and is slowly being adopted in the international market for wines.
Ayia Mavri
Ayia Mavri Moshato is a sweet wine produced from the Mavro grape. It is served as a dessert wine and has a beautiful amber hue and a sweet, floral scent that makes it quite enjoyable to drink. It is best served cold and goes well with fruit-based desserts and chocolate, which makes it popular with people who enjoy sweet wines.
Morokanella
Morokanella is another local grape variety that has been adopted by wine lovers and is grown in the country. It produces aromatic white wines with a refreshing character.
One of the wineries that specialise in Morganella is the Gerolemo Winery where the grape is grown and used to produce wines that reflect its potential and suitability to the climate of the region.
Zambartas Winery
Zambartas Winery is well known for its quality and organic production of wines. The winery desires to showcase the best of Cyprus grape varieties, including Xynisteri and Maratheftiko. It is a tourist attraction where visitors are given a tour of the winery and are offered the wines.
Cyprus is very much involved in wine production and some brands are as old as the country itself and other brands that are in line with the modern trends in wine production.
From the sweet Commandaria wine that dates back to Egyptian times up to the Xynisteri and the robust Maratheftiko, Cyprus has all the wines. These brands are the ambassadors of Cyprus in the global wine market as the island seeks to carve a niche in the global wine market.
For the wine expert as well as the wine beginner, Cyprus wines are a discovery of the cultural and gastronomic heritage of the island.
