Labels of Taste

29 LABELS OF TASTE The areas of the Republic of Cyprus whose name may be used in the presentation of a PDO wine are: Laona - Akama (about 17 km north of the city of Pafos at the beginning of Akamas Peninsula and Akrotiri, the westernmost end of Cyprus). Vouni Panagias - Ambelitis (about 23.5 km northeast of Pafos in the eastern part of the Pafos district on the border with the Lefkosia district). Pitsilia (near the top of Madari in the Troodos Mountains). It is the most mountainous of all the wine-growing zones of Cyprus with altitudes above 780m. Krasohoria Lemesou (Lemesos’ wine villages, northwest of Lemesos and reaching the boundaries of the district of Pafos). Apart from the main area, there are also the sub-regions of Afamis and Laona. Commandaria PDO For archaeologists Commandaria is the oldest wine with designation of origin in the world. For Cyprus it is the flagship of domestic wine production with international reputation and recognition. This traditional sweet dessert wine is produced from sundried grapes of the Xynisteri and Mavro indigenous variety, is strengthened by the use of wine alcohol and aged in oak barrels – elements that contribute to the development of its special characteristics, its harmony of flavour and its unique aroma. Commandaria is produced in the same way as Greek poet Hesiod describes in the 10th century BC in his book “Works and Days”. It took 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 spread very quickly throughout the civilized world. Fourteen villages have today the right to produce and use the name Koumandaria. CYPRUS HAS 11 ENTRIES IN THE E-BACCHUS DATABASE WHICH LISTS THE PROTECTED DESIGNATIONS OF ORIGIN AND GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATIONS FOR WINES. PGI WINES OR “LOCAL WINES” OF CYPRUS BEAR THE NAME OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE DISTRICT FROM WHICH THE GRAPES ORIGINATE: LARNAKA, LEMESOS, LEFKOSIA AND PAFOS.