**Meta:** Discover the rich history of Commandaria, the world’s oldest wine, and its revival in Cyprus.
**Content:**
### The Legacy of Commandaria Wine
**Who:** Commandaria wine producers in Cyprus
**What:** Reviving the ancient sweet wine known as Commandaria
**When:** Current efforts to revive the wine’s popularity
**Where:** Cyprus, particularly in the village of Zoopigi
**Why:** To restore Commandaria’s place in the global market and celebrate its rich heritage
Praised by ancient Greek poets Homer and Euripides nearly 3,000 years ago, Commandaria is recognized as the oldest recorded and named wine in the world. Despite its illustrious history, this sweet wine has faced challenges in gaining a foothold in the global market. However, a new wave of micro-wineries in Cyprus is working to revive traditional winemaking techniques, offering Commandaria a chance for a much-anticipated resurgence.
### Historical Significance of Commandaria
– Commandaria is believed to have won the first known wine competition during the 13th century under French King Philippe Augustus.
– English King Richard the Lionheart reportedly served it at his wedding in Cyprus in 1191.
– The 14th-century Mayor of London, Henry Picard, is said to have shared it with leaders from England, France, Scotland, Denmark, and Cyprus during the Feast of the Five Kings.
Originally known as “nama,” the wine was renamed by the medieval Knights Hospitaller, who established their headquarters at an estate famous for its wine production, which they called Grande Commanderie. The Orthodox Church later adopted Commandaria as its communion wine during Byzantine times.
### Current Production and Challenges
– Production peaked during the 15th and 16th centuries under Venetian rule, when the wine was highly valued for its sweetness and complex flavors.
– Recent annual production has been around 200,000 bottles, as demand has decreased.
– The exclusion of approximately 800,000 Russian tourists due to sanctions following the invasion of Ukraine has impacted sales.
Christakis Nicolaou, community leader of Zoopigi, notes that the wine’s unique flavor profile—featuring notes of honey, raisin, walnut, fig, carob, cinnamon, coffee, and caramel—stems from the island’s rich volcanic soil.
### Marketing and Future Prospects
Wine expert Demetri Walters emphasizes that Commandaria’s lack of international traction is largely due to insufficient marketing efforts. He points out that the main producer, KEO, has been slow to recognize the potential of their older vintages. Walters states, “The unique and antique history, the extraordinary quality across the two styles, and the terrific value for money… Everyone who tastes it for the first time with me is blown away by the complexity of the wine.”
While sweet wines are currently out of fashion, there are signs that Commandaria is beginning to regain interest.
**Conclusion:** With its rich history and unique flavor, will Commandaria finally reclaim its place in the global wine market?
**FAQs:**
**Q: What is Commandaria wine?**
A: Commandaria is the world’s oldest recorded and named wine, known for its sweet flavor and rich history dating back nearly 3,000 years in Cyprus.
