Are you prepared to go wine tasting in Cyprus? Though Cyprus’ winemaking is rooted deep in historical past, you shouldn’t count on something supernatural from tasting the native wines.

A lot of the wines you get to style are younger, dry wines. The local weather and lack of water give native wines a slight acidity. Cyprus has only a few candy wines and nearly no fortified wines, besides the world-famous dessert wine, Commandaria.

Right here’s our information to wine tasting in Cyprus!

Right here’s a fast breakdown:

Historical past of Winemaking in Cyprus

The entire historical past of winemaking might be divided into three phases:

Stage 1: Spontaneous Authentic Winemaking

Wines had been saved and transported in clay vessels. This gave the wines a particular taste.

The vessels’ partitions, fabricated from clay, interacted with the contents. The clay additionally has a porous construction and is a sort of membrane. Thus, the wine was respiration. This, on the one hand, had a optimistic impact on the flavour, however alternatively, enormously diminished the shelf life.

Stage 2: Look of Glass Bottles and the Expertise of Wine Manufacturing on a Massive Scale

This stage has not misplaced its relevance even now.

Nevertheless, the character of island life didn’t enable native winemakers to comply with the expertise of wine manufacturing completely. Due to this fact, the wines diversified enormously in taste and composition even inside the similar batch.

As well as, in fact, the grape harvest made its changes. However it is a common rule that applies to completely all wineries in the world.

Stage 3: Management and Measurement of Chemical and Bodily Traits of Wine and Uncooked Supplies

The third stage started comparatively just lately, with the looks of exact technique of management and measurement of chemical and bodily traits of wine and uncooked supplies, in addition to computerized automation of the method.

Solely then do sure stability of wine varieties, their taste and bodily traits seem.

Wine Storage in Cyprus

Let’s speak about wine barrels for growing old and storing, in addition to corks. The distinctive state of affairs in Cyprus is that there aren’t any regionally produced corks or barrels; all the pieces is imported, and it comes at a price. Moreover, bottles are usually not manufactured in Cyprus.

However Let’s Begin With Corks

Historically, bottles are sealed with pure cork, which comes from the bark of the cork oak tree. Like a clay vessel, cork has pores, permitting air to enter the bottle and the wine to “breathe.” Nevertheless, the cork’s floor space is far smaller than a clay vessel’s, ensuing in a considerably longer shelf life.

Portugal and Spain are the first sources of pure cork manufacturing.

Aluminium Cap

Lately, a extremely commendable various has emerged—the screw aluminum cap. It really works properly for each reasonably priced and premium wines, providing a extra handy and sensible opening expertise. Nevertheless, not like conventional cork, the wine doesn’t “breathe” with this cover. But, when correct corking methods are adopted, it ensures the longest shelf life.

Another choice is polymer corks, usually discovered in cheaper wines. Regardless of being technologically superior and appropriate for mass manufacturing, they’re generally related to budget-friendly wine alternatives.

Barrels

By inspecting the barrels a vineyard employs, you possibly can swiftly gauge the standard of the wine it creates. The kind of barrel used performs a big function.

Normally, wineries go for oak barrels from France, sometimes incorporating American oak. Whereas there are improvements, resembling using Acacia wooden, it takes braveness to experiment with new choices with out risking a batch of 10-30 thousand bottles.

Now, Let’s Discuss About Cypress Wine

Wine is an alcoholic beverage produced by the fermentation of grape juice. The colour of wine doesn’t rely upon the colour of the grapes, because the juice of any grape is white. Nevertheless, the pores and skin of the grapes offers a pink or purple hue throughout fermentation.

The primary traits of wine embody its kind, which could possibly be white, purple, rose, or glowing. All these sorts are produced in Cyprus, however glowing wine is produced to a lesser extent.

Completely different grape varieties have totally different flavour traits. The primary grape varieties grown in Cyprus are:

• Xinisteri
• Muscat
• Sauvignon Blanc
• Chardonnay
• Moracanella
• Promara
• Mavro
• Carignan
• Maratheftiko
• Yannoudi
• Lefkada
• Mataro
• Mourvèdre
• Oftalmo
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Malaga
• Shiraz
• Grenache
• Alicante Bouchet

Cyprus primarily produces dry wines, spanning from gentle yellow to intense purple. The wines characteristic a various bouquet of light aromas and flavors, devoid of daring spices.

The alcohol and acidity ranges in the wine can differ. In purple wine, tannins play a job in offering construction and firmness, enhancing its means to age gracefully.

Wine Areas in Cyprus

The area and origin are essential components that decide a wine’s traits.

Cyprus has six wine areas the place wines differ in flavour and different traits, with probably the most well-known area being Commandaria, situated north of Limassol city in the south downhills of the Troodos mountains.

The Label of Wine Bottles

Now, let’s transfer on to the integral a part of any wine bottle: the label.

The label is an important a part of the looks and content material of the wine. Judging by the label, you possibly can perceive quite a bit in regards to the wine with out even opening the bottle.

So, what’s normally depicted on a wine label? Normally, there are two. Some bottles even have a small half on the neck – the so-called collar label – however it isn’t very informative. An important labels are the most important label and the again label.

On the label, yow will discover the next info:

1. The identify of the wine and typically the second identify
2. The identify of the producer (vineyard)
3. Grape selection, a number of
4. Proportion of alcohol content material
5. 12 months the grapes had been harvested (classic)
6. Area (Appellation)
7. Sort of wine (dry, purple, desk, and many others.)
8. Web content material
9. Further info (pairing solutions, flavour notes, serving)
10. Warnings (in regards to the risks of alcohol)

The primary factor to know when you’re not a real wine connoisseur is a straightforward rule: a wine that has already earned belief and fame doesn’t want a flashy and colourful label. It’s wanted for wines nonetheless on their method to the head of their fame, however this rule doesn’t at all times work in Cyprus. Right here, it could be finest when you had been guided extra by suggestions.

Judging by the label, you possibly can solely get a common concept of the product contained in the bottle, however a mix of things (cork, colour, bottle and label) can recommend a worthy specimen.

In case you encounter any difficulties, it’s finest to search skilled assist.

Wineries in Cyprus

Now, let’s speak a bit about wineries. Some trendy wineries assure constant high quality, together with:

Zambartas Wineries, Tsangarides Vineyard, Vlassides Vineyard and others.

Alternatively, some wineries take a extra conventional method, together with:

Kalamos Vineyard, Linos Vineyard, Ktima Gerolemo, Shoufas Vineyard, Ayia Mavri and others.

The selection is finally yours… otherwise you select an skilled to information you:

Wine Tour in Cyprus

Discover the enchanting world of Cypriot wines and be a part of an unique small-group wine tour assured to captivate.

Immerse your self in the Pafos area, the place you’ll embark on a exceptional journey. For wine lovers and connoisseurs alike, the spotlight lies in the intimate wineries that specialize in producing distinctive varietal and blended wines.

Cyprus is residence to roughly 20 such wineries, producing a modest amount of between 10 and 100 thousand bottles yearly. This restricted manufacturing provides worth and rarity to these extraordinary creations.

At every vineyard, you’ll witness firsthand the meticulous winemaking course of earlier than indulging in pleasant tastings.

The primary cease is the village of Katikas, the place you’ll stroll via picturesque vineyards and go to Vassilikon Vineyard – one of many oldest in Paphos, overlaying some 4000m2. Right here you’ll discover not solely the manufacturing space, but in addition cellars, a bar and even an interesting wine museum that tells the story of Cyprus’ wealthy viticultural historical past. Vassilikon’s annual bottling capability is a powerful 350,000 bottles.

Persevering with your journey brings you to the village of Lemony, the place the Tsangaridis household vineyard is tucked away amidst sprawling vineyards and charming rustic buildings, seamlessly mixing time-honored traditions with trendy expertise.

Your subsequent vacation spot takes you to the village of Strumbi as you enterprise to the Kamanterena Vineyard – a part of the famend SODAP cooperative since its founding in 1947. In collaboration with greater than ten thousand households from varied vineyards (144), Kamanterena has persistently participated in prestigious worldwide wine festivals, profitable quite a few awards alongside the best way.

In your grand finale, Vuni Vineyard, established in 1987, provides an intensive choice of high-quality wines in addition to its personal museum and restaurant. After tasting, you’ll have the chance to get pleasure from a scrumptious lunch at this magnificent vineyard.

After experiencing the appeal of Cypriot wines firsthand, it’s solely pure that you simply’ll need to take residence a bottle as a memento. The style of Cyprus will soothe your soul each time you open that treasured bottle and convey again reminiscences of your fantastic days on this idyllic Mediterranean island.

E-book your tour immediately with the tour operator

Value: €95
Length: eight hours
Group measurement: max 20

This complete wine tour package deal consists of:

• Handy resort pick-up and drop-off
• Snug transportation in an air-conditioned motor coach
• Memorable wine tastings

Wine Tasting in Cyprus

Cyprus is a land of historic legends and traditions, from its structure to its delicacies, which makes it no shock that the nation has a wealthy wine tradition. The island consists of conventional and trendy wineries, producing distinct styles of wines that mirror the distinctive terroir of the Mediterranean island.

For these wanting to indulge in a wine-tasting expertise in Cyprus, there are a number of important ideas to bear in mind:

• Firstly, analysis the wineries beforehand, as there are various to select from, every providing a singular expertise.
• Secondly, costume appropriately, as wineries have a tendency to be pretty informal.
• As soon as there, don’t hesitate to ask questions and work together with the workers; most are prepared to share their data and experience.
• Concerning the wine itself, it’s important to be affected person and let it breathe earlier than tasting it, making certain it’s on the proper temperature.
• Wine tasting is about exploring every wine via your senses: sight, scent, contact, and style.
• Lastly, keep away from overindulging to respect and bear in mind the expertise absolutely.

In conclusion, the wine-tasting expertise in Cyprus isn’t one to be missed. Immerse your self in the distinctive tradition and custom of the island, and uncover the richness and variety of Cyprus’s wine business.

In case you’re visiting Cyprus, you need to think about making an attempt some locally-produced wines. Cyprus is residence to varied wineries, a lot of which supply wine-tasting experiences. In case you’re new to wine tasting, don’t fear!

Associated learn: What to Do in Cyprus

Right here Are Some Ideas for a Profitable Wine Tasting in Cyprus

1. Select your wineries rigorously. Lookup evaluations and suggestions on-line earlier than deciding on which wineries to go to.
2. Don’t overdo it. Don’t try to go to too many wineries in at some point. Keep in mind, wine tasting is about high quality, not amount.
3. Take notes. Jot down your ideas and impressions about every wine you style. This can aid you bear in mind which of them had been your favorites. Use this free wine-tasting sheet (pattern).
4. Interact with the workers. The individuals who work on the wineries are sometimes extraordinarily educated about wine. Don’t hesitate to ask them questions or ask for his or her suggestions.
5. Benefit from the expertise. Wine tasting must be a enjoyable and relaxed exercise. Savor every wine and the expertise of discovering one thing new.

Our Suggestion: Be part of a Cyprus Wine Tour

Don’t neglect the professionals. We wish to suggest one of many wine excursions in Cyprus. The wineries you’ll go to are situated in picturesque areas with beautiful views of orchards and Mediterranean landscapes. Right here, you possibly can style nice wines and study Cyprus’s numerous wine types.

The information will enthuse you along with his intensive data of wine. From wealthy blends to beautiful particulars, he’ll information you alongside a path of discovery and pleasure.

All in all, wine tasting in Cyprus is a must-do expertise for any wine lover. Observe the following tips, and you’ll absolutely get pleasure from exploring Cyprus’ native wines’ distinctive flavors and aromas.

For extra issues to do in Cyprus, try: