The best wines of Cyprus: Commandaria, Aphrodite, Bellapais, and indigenous grape varieties

Cyprus is one of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world, where winemaking traditions go back thousands of years. Here, the sun, limestone soil, and sea breeze create ideal conditions for growing grapes. The island's wines are known for their indigenous varieties, unique aromas, and rich history.

• Commandaria
• Aphrodite
• Bellapais
• Cypriot Grape Varieties

Commandaria

Commandaria is the pride of Cyprus and the oldest wine in the world, known since the time of the Crusaders. It is made from two local varieties — the white Xynisteri and the red Mavro. The grapes are sun-dried to turn them into raisins, increasing their sugar content. They are then pressed and fermented without the addition of alcohol, resulting in a thick, sweet dessert wine with an alcohol content of about 16%.

Commandaria has the status of PDO (Protected Designation of Origin). Premium versions are aged up to 30 years, giving the wine a deep flavor and a complex aroma of dried fruits, honey, and caramel. This wine is often used for communion and is considered a national symbol of Cyprus. Every year, villages host the Commandaria Festival, where the best examples of the wine can be tasted.

Aphrodite

Aphrodite is a white semi-sweet wine with a light taste and a romantic legend. It is made from the Xynisteri variety, known for its freshness and aroma of herbs and citrus. The drink is perfect for the hot Cypriot climate, served chilled, and pairs excellently with seafood and fruits.

According to legend, every woman who tastes Aphrodite wine receives the blessing of the goddess of love and the fulfillment of a cherished wish. Today, it is one of the island's most popular semi-sweet wines, and the name "Aphrodite" has become synonymous with femininity and Cypriot charm.

Bellapais

Bellapais is an exquisite sparkling wine created in honor of the Bellapais Monastery in Kyrenia. It is made from white grapes, usually in a semi-sweet style. The drink has a golden hue and a light citrus-fruity aroma, with an alcohol content of about 11%.

Bellapais is considered one of the symbols of Cypriot winemaking, embodying the spiritual heritage of the island. The monastery monks were the first to develop its recipe, and since then it has become popular among tourists and collectors.

Cypriot Grape Varieties

Cypriot winemaking relies on indigenous varieties — unique vines that grow only on the island. Below are the main representatives that produce the finest wines of Cyprus.

White Varieties

Xynisteri is the main white variety of Cyprus, hardy and productive. It is used to make light dry and semi-sweet wines, as well as desserts, including Commandaria. Its aroma is simple yet fresh, with notes of herbs and lemon. The best Xynisteri vineyards are located at an altitude of 500–600 m, where the climate is milder and the wine's flavor is more intense.

Spourtiko is a rare variety grown in the mountains of Paphos. Its berries are golden-yellow with thin skins, which is why the variety is named "bursting." Wine from Spourtiko has a light floral-citrus aroma and low alcohol content (around 12%). This variety is also used as a pollinator for the red Mavro grape, Maratheftiko.

Morokanella is a rare variety with the aroma of white flowers and a fresh lemon scent. It was popular during the Ottoman Empire but is now grown in only a few wineries. Morokanella wine has balanced acidity and a light mineral aftertaste.

Promara is an "early" variety resistant to heat and drought. It produces aromatic wines with notes of melon, watermelon, and citrus. This variety is considered promising and is already used in experiments by modern Cypriot wineries.

Red Varieties

Mavro is the main red variety of Cyprus, with a name that translates as "black." It is used for simple table wines and the famous Commandaria. Mavro wines are light, fruity, with hints of cherry and spices. A unique feature of this variety is that it is not grafted onto American rootstocks, as Cyprus avoided the phylloxera that devastated European vineyards.

Maratheftiko is the pride of Cypriot winemakers. Its wines have a deep color, aromas of roses, cherry, and chocolate, soft tannins, and high aging potential. Due to pollination characteristics, it is grown near the white Spourtiko. Maratheftiko is recognized as the best red wine of Cyprus and is actively exported.

Ofthalmo is a rare variety often used for blending with Cabernet Sauvignon. It produces light red and rosé wines with soft tannins and aromas of strawberry and raspberry. With limited irrigation, it can reveal rich flavor nuances.

Yiannoudi is a new variety accidentally discovered in the garden of a Cypriot farmer named Yannis. Yiannoudi wine is deep, fruity-spicy, with good structure and aging potential. Today, it is actively promoted by local wineries and is becoming a new symbol of Cypriot red wine.

Tip: The best Cypriot wines can be tasted in the regions of Limassol, Paphos, and the Troodos Mountains, where family wineries offer tours and tastings.