Cyprus

Question 1

What was Commandaria referred to as in ancient times?

Answer 1

Nama, meaning ‘sweet wine’

Question 2

What is Cyprus’s geographical location?

Answer 2

Eastern corner of the Mediterranean Sea, with Turkey to the north, Lebanon and Syria to the east

Question 3

What geological processes formed Cyprus?

Answer 3

Subduction of the African plate beneath the Anatolian plate

Question 4

What type of soils are prevalent in Cyprus?

Answer 4

Volcanic-derived soils, particularly in the Troodos Mountain range

Question 5

What is Commandaria?

Answer 5

The world’s oldest continually produced named wine from Cyprus

Question 6

What was Commandaria referred to as in ancient times?

Answer 6

Nama, meaning ‘sweet wine’

Question 7

What are commandaries in relation to Commandaria?

Answer 7

Districts established by the Crusaders

Question 8

What geographical area does the Commandaria PDO cover?

Answer 8

14 villages in south-central Cyprus, just north of Limassol and south of the Troodos Mountains.

Commandaria is a unique wine region known for its traditional winemaking practices.

Question 9

What are the two native grape varieties used in Commandaria?

Answer 9

• Mavro
• Xynisteri

Mavro is a red grape, while Xynisteri is a white grape.

Question 10

How are the grapes for Commandaria processed after harvesting?

Answer 10

They are sun-dried for about two weeks, often adjacent to the vineyards.

This drying process is essential for developing the wine’s character.

Question 11

Which companies dominated Commandaria production throughout the 20th century?

Answer 11

• KEO
• Etko
• Sodap
• Loel

These companies played a significant role in the production and distribution of Commandaria.

Question 12

What are the two expressions of Commandaria found today?

Answer 12

• Non-vintage, fortified wines primarily composed of Mavro
• Vintage-dated, unfortified examples with a higher concentration of Xynisteri

These expressions differ significantly in style and production methods.

Question 13

How many PDO regions does Cyprus have, including Commandaria?

Answer 13

Seven PDO regions.

The other regions are Pitsilia, Krasochoria Lemesou, Krasochoria Lemesou-Laona, Krasochoria Lemesou-Afames, Vouni Panayia-Ampelitis, and Laona Akama.

Question 14

What is the most widely planted grape in Cyprus?

Answer 14

Mavro

Despite its prevalence, Mavro is often considered to produce inferior wine outside of Commandaria.

Question 15

What potential does the white grape Xynisteri have?

Answer 15

Tremendous potential for complexity and aging potential.

Despite its name meaning ‘lacking acidity’, it has shown promise in winemaking.

Question 16

List other varietal wines being bottled by producers in Cyprus.

Answer 16

• Promara
• Morokanella
• Maratheftiko
• Yiannoudin

These grapes contribute to the diversity of Cypriot wines.