Cypriot cuisine, with its Greek and Middle Eastern roots, offers a wide range of dishes that can be perfectly complemented with Cyprus wines.
Here is a list of some Cypriot wines and the traditional foods they should be served with.
Xynisteri with Seafood and Salads
Xynisteri is the leading white wine of Cyprus with a sharp taste and a hint of citrus fruits. This wine is best served with seafood dishes like grilled fish, calamari or shrimp or even with pasta dishes.
The high acidity of Xynisteri sharpens the taste of the seafood and brings out the natural flavours of the food. However, it is also perfect for lighter dishes such as salads, especially those made from fresh vegetables and served with a citrus dressing.
To complement the wine, try it with the traditional Cypriot dish, the tomato and cucumber salad with feta cheese.
Commandaria with Desserts
Commandaria, a sweet dessert wine, is one of Cyprus’s most famous exports. It has a very intense taste of dried fruits, nuts, and honey; therefore, it goes well with desserts.
Commandaria is best served with traditional Cypriot sweets such as baklava, a pastry made from layers of filo pastry, nuts and honey. The sweetness of the wine also blends well with the richness of the dessert to give a perfect combination.
Instead, it can be accompanied by cheese boards with aged cheese, and the wine’s sweetness complements the saltiness of the cheese.
Maratheftiko with Grilled Meats
For red wine lovers, Maratheftiko is one of the best Cypriot varieties that can be tasted. This daring wine with a rich taste and a spicy aftertaste is perfect for combining with barbecued meats.
From the sheftalia (Cypriot sausages) to souvlaki (meat on a skewer) or a thick lamb dish, Maratheftiko compliments the taste of the meat and does not surrender to the oiliness and smokiness of the grill.
The wine is fruity and has a good body, and therefore, it is well complemented by food prepared with Mediterranean spices and herbs.
Ayia Mavri Moshato with Fruit-Based Desserts
Ayia Mavri Moshato is a sweet wine produced from the Mavro grape. Due to its floral note, it is best used in conjunction with fruit-based dishes or fruit desserts.
It would be best to accompany it with a fruit tart or a berry-topped cheesecake. The sweetness of the wine enhances the natural sugars in the fruits, making the wine perfect for dessert.
Halloumi with Xynisteri or Rosé
Halloumi is a Cypriot cheese traditionally fried or grilled and eaten with lemon. Due to its saltiness, halloumi complements a glass of Xynisteri, as the wine is acidic to counterbalance the cheese’s greasiness.
However, a structured rosé can also be used and will provide a good foil to the cheese’s saltiness.
Cyprus cuisine is rich and diverse and has the potential to be complemented so well by the wines of the island. Suppose you are interested in the peculiarities of Cypriot wines, including Xynisteri, Commandaria, Maratheftiko, and Ayia Mavri Moshato. In that case, you will be able to improve your meals and enjoy the taste of this Mediterranean island. Whether it is a simple meal or a party, the right wine selection can make a difference and turn the meal into an event.
