Cyprus

Question 1

What is the geographical location of Cyprus?

Answer 1

Nestled in the eastern corner of the Mediterranean Sea, with Turkey 75 km north and Lebanon and Syria 100 km east

Cyprus has a viticultural history nearly as long as its cultural history.

Question 2

What geological process formed Cyprus?

Answer 2

Subduction of the African plate beneath the Anatolian plate

This process created Cyprus’s stark, mountainous terrain.

Question 3

What type of soils predominantly cover Cyprus?

Answer 3

Volcanic-derived soils

These soils are particularly found along the central Troodos Mountain range.

Question 4

Name the civilizations that have controlled or colonized Cyprus throughout history.

Answer 4

• Ancient Greeks
• Romans
• Egyptians
• Phoenicians
• Assyrians

Cyprus has been conquered by myriad civilizations due to its strategic location.

Question 5

When did Cyprus gain independence?

Answer 5

1960

The northeastern sector has been under Turkish occupation since 1974.

Question 6

In what year did Cyprus join the European Union?

Answer 6

2004

Cyprus joined the eurozone four years later.

Question 7

What is the name of the world’s oldest continually produced named wine from Cyprus?

Answer 7

Commandaria

Documented as early as 800 BCE, it was referred to as nama, meaning ‘sweet wine.’

Question 8

Who rediscovered Commandaria during the Crusades?

Answer 8

The Knights Templar in 1191 CE

They invaded the island, leading to the wine’s rediscovery.

Question 9

What is the Commandaria PDO?

Answer 9

Spans 14 villages in south-central Cyprus, just north of Limassol

Commandaria must be vinified within the appellation boundaries.

Question 10

What are the two divergent expressions of Commandaria found today?

Answer 10

• Non-vintage, fortified wines primarily of Mavro
• Vintage-dated, unfortified examples with more Xynisteri

Larger firms dominate the non-vintage production.

Question 11

List the seven PDO regions of Cyprus.

Answer 11

• Commandaria
• Pitsilia
• Krasochoria Lemesou
• Krasochoria Lemesou-Laona
• Krasochoria Lemesou-Afames
• Vouni Panayia-Ampelitis
• Laona Akama

The additional six PDOs are nearly completely unused.

Question 12

What are the four PGI wine appellations of Cyprus?

Answer 12

• Larnaka
• Lemesos (Limassol)
• Lefkosia (Nicosia)
• Pafos

These appellations are centered around the cities of the same names.

Question 13

What is the most widely planted red grape in Cyprus?

Answer 13

Mavro

It is generally considered to make inferior wine outside of Commandaria.

Question 14

What is the most cultivated white grape in Cyprus?

Answer 14

Xynisteri

Despite its name meaning ‘lacking acidity,’ it has shown potential for complexity and aging.

Question 15

What are some other indigenous grapes being bottled in Cyprus?

Answer 15

• Promara
• Morokanella
• Maratheftiko
• Yiannoudin

These grapes are part of the current generation’s efforts to produce quality wine.

Question 16

What significant pest has never reached Cyprus?

Answer 16

Phylloxera

This allows vines to be largely planted on their own rootstocks.