About Cyprus Wines

Cyprus wines are not well known outside of the island yet Cyprus is one of the oldest wine making countries in the world.

Cyprus Wines

Archaeological discoveries date production back over 6000 years. Yet Kypros has scant recognition for producing quality wines.

Until 15-20 years ago, much of the wine produced was of poor quality, which varied wildly from year to year due to poor production techniques. Some of the local grapes like Mavro could not produce good wine when used alone and, if kept longer than 3-6 months, wine was undrinkable.

Some of the "village wine" still produced today is a reminder of that poor quality. Plus the BIG producers like Sodap and Keo sell cheap carton wine made from the dregs of the wine making process - many expats drink it as it's so cheap but I personally think life is too short to drink crap wine!

Beware of drinking too much of any of the cheap Cyprus wines as they will give you a terrible hangover!

But since the early 2000s, good quality winie is now available here thanks to new varieties of grapes being planted and the introduction of modern wine making plants. Whilst the journey has really only just begun still, Cypriot wine is slowly making its way along the path to good quality, nurtured carefully by the dedication and love of winemaking of the owners of small and larger wineries alike.

Cyprus Wines - Grape Varieties

Indigenous Grapes

Xynisteri - white and most widespread white grape used. Produces fresh light-coloured wines which need to be drunk whilst still young.

Mavro - the most widespread grape planted in Cyprus, meaning "black" but ironically producing a brownish red poor tasting wine when used alone. Must be mixed with other varieties.

Ofthalmo - red variety produced in small quantities.

Maratheftiko - red variety producing an intense robust flavour totally unique to Cyprus. Far less productive than the Mavro ( must be planted in mixed viineyards to produce any real volume) so more expensive but well worth the price for one of good quality.

Imported Grape Varieties

Chardonnay - light fresh wines produced here from this white variety.

Palomino - White sherry variety.

Riesling/Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc - white varieties - small quantities only.

Carignon Noir - the most planted imported grape which produced high yields but is bitter and lacks substance - a hangover of quantity rather than quality.

Cabernet Sauvignon - Widely used alone and mixed with other varieties.

Cabernet Franc - Also widely used, mixed with other local and imported grapes.

Mataro - Another variety favoured by many winemakers as a complement to local varieties.

Shiraz - red full bodied gaining popularity.

Cinsaut/Grenache/lefkada/Alicante Bouschet - red varieties produced in small quantities.

See my recommendations for the best Cyprus wine or take a wine tour with me

Related Pages:

Book a hire car for your wine tour

Food and Drink in Cyprus

Quality wine from the Tsangarides winery