An amber sweet wine made from sun-dried grapes on Cyprus since antiquity, named for the Grande Commanderie of the Knights Hospitaller. It is claimed as the oldest named wine still in production.
It is a protected appellation wine from fourteen designated villages, sun-dried in the field and aged for years under licence.
What goes into it
- Xynisteri and Mavro grapes
- sun
- yeast
How it is made
The grapes are left to over-ripen on the vine, picked, and then spread on the ground in the sun for a week or more until they shrivel and their sugar concentrates. The dried grapes are pressed and fermented, and the fermentation stops on its own when the alcohol level rises past what the yeast can survive, leaving a great deal of sugar behind. It is then aged for years.
How long it takes: a week of sun-drying, then at least two years of ageing
How it is eaten
Chilled in a small glass with blue cheese, nuts and dried fruit.
History
Sweet wine from sun-dried grapes, made since antiquity and named for the Knights Hospitaller’s Grande Commanderie; claimed as the oldest named wine.
Frequently asked questions
What is Commandaria?
Commandaria is a wine & spirit from Cyprus: ancient amber sweet wine from sun-dried grapes. Sweet wine from sun-dried grapes, made since antiquity and named for the Knights Hospitaller’s Grande Commanderie; claimed as the oldest named wine.
How is Commandaria made?
The grapes are left to over-ripen on the vine, picked, and then spread on the ground in the sun for a week or more until they shrivel and their sugar concentrates. The dried grapes are pressed and fermented, and the fermentation stops on its own when the alcohol level rises past what the yeast can survive, leaving a great deal of sugar behind. It is then aged for years. It takes a week of sun-drying, then at least two years of ageing.
Can I make Commandaria at home?
No, and the atlas gives no method for it. It is a protected appellation wine from fourteen designated villages, sun-dried in the field and aged for years under licence.
What goes into Commandaria?
Xynisteri and Mavro grapes, sun, yeast.
How is Commandaria eaten?
Chilled in a small glass with blue cheese, nuts and dried fruit.
