Cyprus’ micro-winners hope to make a comeback for the world’s oldest wine

Cyprus (AP) Nicosia – Cyprus Commandaria is praised by the ancient Greek giants Homer and Euripides nearly 3,000 years ago, and is the oldest recorded and named wine in the world.

Despite its rich heritage, Dessert Wine is working hard to find its niche in the global market. Now, many miniature victories in this Eastern Mediterranean country are restoring traditional winemaking techniques and providing Commandaria with a long-awaited opportunity to make a comeback.

Manufacturers want to click on rich legends around ruby ​​wine.

It is said that during the 13th century reign of King Philippe Augustus of France, it won the world’s first known wine competition. King Richard Lionheart of England is said to serve guests at the 1191 wedding in Cyprus. The 14th-century mayor of London Henry Picard is said to be addicted to leaders of England, France, Scotland, Denmark and Cyprus.

The wine, known as “Nama” in ancient times, was renamed by the medieval knight hospital, who established his headquarters in the third competition, known for its wine production, which they named it the Grande Commanderie.

The island’s Orthodox church then adopted Commandaria as its communion wine during the Byzantine era.

Production reached its peak when Venice ruled Cyprus in the 15th and 16th centuries and respected wines with its sweetness and complex bouquets.

The bottle is now available for sale for 20 euros ($20) and can reach up to 150 euros.

Christakis Nicolaou, a community leader in Zoopigi Village, the Commandaria Museum, said the wine’s honey, raisins, walnuts, figs, figs, caramels, cinnamon, coffee and caramel are all attributed to the island’s abundant volcanic soil.

Savvas Constantinou, a beverage inspector for the Cyprus Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, said that in recent years, wine production has been around 200,000 bottles annually as demand gradually decreases.

One factor is that after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, about 800,000 Russian tourists who love Russia were excluded due to the imposition of sanctions.

Constantinou said the Chinese market had progressed to a huge Chinese market five years ago, but it started after manufacturers could not meet demand.

Wine expert Demetri Walters, who holds the famous wine master title, said Commandaria’s sales have gained a lot of attention mainly due to lack of marketing. Keo, the island’s major producer, understands the potential of wine, especially its older vintages.

“It’s a pity that their order wine is very good,” Walters told the Associated Press. “The unique and antique history, the extraordinary quality of both styles and the value of value for money… Everyone who tasted it with me for the first time was shocked by the complexity of the wine.”

Walters said that although sweet wines are “outdated” besides professional trade, this is slowly changing for Commandistia. He said wine has entered the UK market in recent years, but as a niche.

Distillers such as Revecca in the Ayios Mamas mountain village have found a steady domestic and foreign follower, with sales swaying upward since opening in 2015.

Last year, its Commandaria won the highest award in the National Wine Competition. The winery employs three people and produces 3,000 bottles per year.

Brewery curator Nikolas Christodoulides said he is trying to customize varieties to suit the tastes of his customers.

“Our focus is on improving quality, not fixing it on quantity,” Christodolis said. This approach works for an Israeli couple, who, according to Christodoulides, flew to Cyprus just to supplement the stock.

Commandaria is made from dark Mavro and white Xynisteri grapes, which are native to Cyprus. After harvesting, they remain in the sun for 7 to 12 days to bring a unique sweetness.

Under strict production laws, the wine matured in reused oak barrels for at least two years to meet the EU’s protection of origin designation. This means that the authentic Commandaria comes from only 14 villages south of the Troodos Mountains, which are exposed to the sun throughout the day.

Some wineries produce darker, sweeter versions strictly made with Mavro grapes. This version is preferred by the Karseras winery in Doros Village, with an average annual output of 40 tons.

Manager Philippos Karseras was encouraged by growth in domestic consumption, although that was not enough to compensate for the losses in the Russian market.

But those who run Revecca wineries believe these small breweries will gradually win consumers.

“We have ensured consistency in product quality first and win the domestic market before collectively promoting the promotion of the market in foreign markets.”