In all probability, all of you studying this text, you already know Sauternes wines from France and Port wines from Portugal. Most of you already know Vinsanto from Italy or Santorini. And lots of of you already know Tokaj from Hungary and Mavrodaphne from Patras, iced wine from Germany and Sherry from France. What number of of you do know Commandaria or Koumandaria from Cyprus?
Commandaria is a candy wine from the Island of Cyprus in Mediterranean and it’s thought of to be the oldest wine nonetheless within the making, acknowledged by the Guiness Ebook of world data. It’s loved as a dessert and after dinner wine however in Cyprus additionally it is used as a Communion within the Greek Orthodox Church buildings, which in lots of events known as Nama.
In accordance with legend, King Richard the Lionheart of England was so taken with commandaria that at his marriage ceremony he pronounced it “the wine of kings and the king of wines.” Equally struck by the intoxicating liquor was the French King Philippe Augustus who is alleged to have declared it to be “the Apostle of wines”.
The candy wine is simply produced from two Cypriot indigenous grape varieties, Xynisteri, a white selection and Mavro, a crimson that develop within the 14 Commandaria Villages on the foothills of Troodos mountain and has acquired the PDI- Protected Designation Indication.
The grapes are harvested late with the intention to have excessive sugar ranges after which are being sundried for 10 to15 days till they grow to be nearly raisins. The candy nectar then is extracted and goes by means of the lengthy fermentation course of and after the vinification is over, the wines are being aged in French or USA oak barrels for as much as two years however some new winemakers have been growing older it for as much as 5 years. The alcohol stage is round 15% however some oenologist would possibly fortify them with pure alcohol with the intention to attain a 20% alcohol stage, however this isn’t widespread. The wine retains on growing older within the bottle and has additional 40+ years growing older potentials.
The tasting notes of Commandaria have intense flavors of dried fruits, oak, darkish chocolate, caramel, nuts and honey. It’s suggested to be drunk at 10 – 14 levels Celsius in a snifter or sherry glass. You may drink it after dinner or pair it properly with desserts, Roquefort or any blue vein cheese and chocolate.
A couple of Commandarias to attempt if you happen to go to Cyprus, but in addition out there exterior of Cyprus and on-line could be discovered with completely different vintages and costs:
Tsiakkas Commandaria Wine
Keo St. John Commandaria
Commandaria Alasia
Saint Barnabas Commandaria
Aes Ambelis Commandaria
Commandaria Wine Oenou Yi Ktima Vassiliades
Richard Commandaria
A few of the Commandaria wine producers have began a movement to Make Commandaria Grand Once more #makecommandariagrandagain implementing occasions and promotions and attempting to persuade restaurant and resort managers and homeowners to incorporate Commandaria of their wine lists and their Digestive Lists. It’s also possible to make Cocktails with Commandaria together with Commandaria Fizz, Commandaria Crush, Commandaria Negroni and plenty of extra.
This 12 months, 2024, with the intention to have fun 800 years of Commandaria, Cyprus in collaboration with the Worldwide Organisation of Vine and Wine -O.I.V. – and the French authorities are planning a particular wine occasion within the framework of the forty fifth World Vine and Wine Congress in October 2024 in Dijon, France. You’ll find extra data HERE.
Should you wish to be taught extra about Commandaria you may learn a ebook by Antonis Konstantinou – The Legend of COMMANDARIA: 3000 years of winemaking custom. It’s also possible to discover data on-line, however if you happen to go to Cyprus, I extremely suggest that you just go to the Commandaria Villages the place you may style first hand this Beautiful Candy Wine from my island Cyprus.
At all times bear in mind to drink responsibly! Cheers! Στην υγειά σας! ( Stin Igeia sas in Greek).
