Commandaria

Overview

Commandaria is both a wine and a protected region of fourteen villages on the southern slopes of the Troodos Mountains. The wine has been documented since 800 BC and was famously praised by Richard the Lionheart as the wine of kings and the king of wines during his wedding in Limassol in the 12th century.

Production is strictly regulated: the wine must be made from sun-dried Xynisteri and Mavro grapes grown within the designated villages at altitudes between 500 and 900 meters. After drying in the sun for up to two weeks, the grapes are pressed and fermented into an amber-colored, richly sweet dessert wine with notes of dried apricot, caramel, walnut, and spice.

Key Varietals

• XynisteriA white grape that contributes honeyed, citrus, and dried-fruit notes to Commandaria.
• MavroA dark indigenous grape that provides body, color, and depth to the sweet wine.
• Sun-dried blendThe traditional Commandaria blend of dried Xynisteri and Mavro.
• Commandaria styleA fortified or naturally sweet wine aged to develop caramel and nut flavors.