COMMANDARIA For archaeologists, Commandaria is the world’s oldest wine with designation of origin. In Cyprus, it is the flagship of domestic wine production, boasting an international reputation and recognition. This traditional sweet dessert wine is produced using sun-dried Xynisteri and Mavro grapes. It is fortified with wine alcohol and aged in oak barrels –all of which contribute to its unique characteristics, harmony of flavour, and aroma. Commandaria is produced in the same way that the Greek poet Hesiod described in his 10th-century BC book “Works and Days”. It takes its name from the Grande Commanderie of the Knights of St John of Jerusalem, who settled in Cyprus in the 12th century. With their help, it quickly spread throughout the civilised world. Commandaria is a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) wine. ZIVANIA This traditional distillate, produced from the solid residue of grapes pressed during the winemaking process, is considered the wine “ambassador” of Cyprus. Zivania is mainly produced from the Cypriot grape varieties Mavro and Xynisteri. In Cyprus, the distillation technique was systematically employed by Venetian alchemists during the Venetian rule (1489 AD - 1571 AD). Cypriot farmers developed their own distillation technique using winemaking residues, known as zivana, which they used as a drink or medicine. They called it “Zivania”. Various writers who visited Cyprus during the Ottoman and British occupation of the island, such as the British explorer Samuel Baker in 1879, provide evidence of the continuous production of this popular spirit. Zivania is registered as a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) product. 4-5
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