Terroir has to be discovered

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If terroir is everything, yet it’s not discovered, then does it actually even exist?

Bold it is to zip around the world to discover them – that’s the essence of the World Explorers Project Comes to Cyprus.

To bring to light emerging countries. To visit regions in the making. To meet atypical winegrowers. To taste out of the ordinary wines. This is the ambition of WINE Explorers, a unique project to take an inventory of all the wine producing countries of the world.

Cyprus being among those 250 winegrowing regions targeted, the vineyards to be surveyed and wines to be tasted starts today, as project collaborators fly in this evening into Larnaca.
Wish them good luck and let the vineyards speak, because terroir can be everything.

Cyprus wine in Beirut

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A first, is a first – select Cyprus Wine Tasting in Lebanon 🇱🇧 #hapening #privatetasting

Beirut cypruswine by Tirebouchonlb<<The hard work of the producers is reflected in the wine… most of the attendees appreciated that with diverse but all positive feedback on the wines tasted>> Toufic & Antoine ~ Tire Bouchon – terroirs et vins

Tasting took place today at the Baron gastrobar in Beirut among sommeliers and winelovers. A group tasting with the presence of Cyprus Ambassador, the consul and trade relations manager. The presented wines were hand-picked by Antoine and Toufic while on a an earlier visit to Cyprus facilitated by Stelios Afxentiou, Ministry of Commerce liason in Limassol.

Wineries that provided wines were Makkas Winery, Ezousa Winery, Zambartas Wines, Tsiakkas Winery, Lambouri Winery, Vouni Panayia winery

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Results of 10th Cyprus Wine Competition

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The Cyprus Wine Sector celebrated it’s Annual Award ceremony closing 4 days of judging for the 10th Cyprus wine competition. Led by an international panel of judges invited by the department of Agriculture, the event was held again under the auspices of the OIV but hosted by the Union of Cyprus Oenologists.

In a contest with 31 participating wineries, the most testimonial proof of the increasing quality of winemaking in this years edition, is that the judges decided not to award bronze medals so as to better reflect the tendency of a higher number of wines earning higher scores.

A tally of 52 awards were given, a total 16 gold and 30 silver medals, a Grand Gold and 5 special distinctions for wines vinified with local varieties.

While 147 wine labels participated in the competing categories of the 10th Cyprus Wine competition, a worthy mention must be made about the growing number of special mentions for vinified with local varieties. Promara, Morokanella and Mavro have since consolidated themselves in the competition with an ever growing number of references.
The special distinction for vinification with top local varieties Xynisteri and Maratheftiko have had surprise outcomes this year.

The counterpart of the special distinctions shine in their own light, while for Commandaria, Aes Ambelis proves its consistency since it’s recent launch, the Promara and Morokanella whites go to the undisputed Vouni Panayia and Gerolemo wineries.

Of notable observation is the strong show of rosés, an amazing first, that rosé wines have become real contenders of high quality wines. While on a lower note, the few number of outstanding reds performing in the competition is surprising – this either reflects the imbalance of judging tilting negatively the results and/or, possibly a message sent to winemakers, for the need of more patience when setting the release of their wines.
Finally, a subtle observation about the set up for such a small national competition, we found it odd that the line-up of tables in classroom style was one which least facilitated discussion,  for sure differences in points at some instances of the judging must have not been easily consensuated with this table format.

Without further comments, The 2017 Cyprus Wine Competition Awards and Medal list goes as follow:

Grand Gold: Commandaria Wine – Aes Ambelis 2010.

Categories with Gold Medals: Commandaria Wines

  • Ayia Mavri Commandaria 2011, Ayia Mavri Winery
  • Alasia Commandaria 2001, Loel Industries
  • Theodora Commandaria 2013, Karseras Winery
  • St. Nicholas Commandaria 2013, Etko Winery
  • Saint Barnabas Commandaria 2002, Sodap Kamenterena Winery
  • Tsiakkas Commandaria 2011, Tsiakkas Winery

Gold awarded Red Dry Wines

  • Saint Fotios, Maratheftiko 2012, Kolios Winery, Paphos Regional Wine
  • Kolios, Shiraz/Merlot blend 2010, Kolios Winery, Paphos Regional Wine

Gold Awarded White dry Wines:

  • Tsangarides Xynisteri 2016, Tsangarides Winery, Pafos regional wine
  • Grifos 2 Sauvignon blanc 2016, Vlasides Winery – Limassol regional wine
  • Ayioklima Xynisteri 2016, Constantinou Winery, Limassol regional wine
  • Persefoni Xynisteri 2016 White, Kolios Winery, Pafos regional wine
  • Tsangarides Chardonnay 2016, Tsangarides Winery, Pafos regional wine
  • Keo Xynisteri 2016, Keo Winery, varietal wine

Gold Awarded Rosé Wines:

  • Aes Ambelis Rosé 2016, Multivarietal wine

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Commandaria flagship, Commandaria bastion of resilience

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It’s a return to safe harbor – Commandaria excels in quality and appreciation at the 10th Cyprus Wine Award Ceremony 2017.

It happened yesterday, on the closing bell – 6th of May 2017, at the Annabelle Hotel. The Cyprus wine sector can feel at ease again, as  if there were any doubts, Commandaria rises above all.

There are no tribulations which can resist to the charm and quality evidenced by the Grand Gold recognition awarded to Aes Ambelis.
GrandGoldCommandaria - 10th Cyprus wine competition
We would like to see this recognition also as a collective award that honors a living heritage in Cyprus.  It’s a heritage which still provides us with wise wine teachings and all Cyprus Winemakers should celebrate it. This is also as a reward for a collective and persistent belief that further investment in the quality of Commandaria is a key to the future of winemaking in Cyprus.

We would like express our most sincere congratulations to the winners and all participants, to the jury and invited journalists for their commitment, to the numerous individuals involved in the logistics of making the competition happen and most of all, to the Union of Cyprus Oenologists and in particular, Mr George Kassianos whose particular implication and investment, enabling for the 10th Award Ceremony to be celebrated at the Hotel Annabelle, which was undeniably spectacular.

For the list of results of the Cyprus Wine Competition follow the link – Cyprus Wine Competition 2017

She rises above

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A familiar art form or a tradition, women in the vineyards since time immemorial have helped sustain the wine trade and bring it to where it is today. Her progression hasn’t stop here thankfully.

For her presence, ever-lasting contributions, which makes us feel very blessed to join them as travel companions towards the unending feat of balanced authenticity.

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How curiosity in wine stays fashionable

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A pleasant reminder of how far intuition and curiosity will still take you in our modern day world of wine

Rosés for the love of it

In a world of ephimeral fashions and trends, it’s highly appreciative to read and see  how far the good old curiosity can take you in modern day world of wine.

Follow this not to miss account on modern day cypriot rosés written and instigated by Elizabeth Gabay MW, joined by Sarah Jane Evans MW and masterly serviced by fellow MW, Yiannis Karakasis – yet another mark of his passage on the island this late spring.

We raise our glasses for their appreciation and the lovely line up pictured above by its author. Panta Kala Krasia

A nature of wine - cyprus wine blog

New Cyprus Wine Vintages to be showcased in Zurich

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Spring is the season for renewing contact with New Generation Wines of Cyprus.

April 25, 2016 – Wolfbach11, Wolfbachstrasse 11.  Zurich is the host city to open a series of wine events related to the Cyprus Wine. The first of such occasion to bringing winemakers and winelovers together has been made possible by the guiding selection of Paphos Wein Imports, promoting Cyprus Wines in Switzerland for  a decade now

The wine scene in Cyprus has evolved dynamically in recent years and high altitude vines grown in the high-altitude foothills of the Troodos mountains enable winemakers to produce sought out and complex wines, that combine Mediterranean charm, structure and freshness in itself.

Vines of Cyprus - Winemaking regions of Cyprus

The Zurich event, Zypern: Viel Neues von der Insel, organised jointly with Mettler Vaterlaus, will be a tasting of new vintages made possible by Paphos Wein with the showcase for the long-established varieties like Xynisteri, Maratheftiko or Lefkada as well as from international varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah or Cabernet Sauvignon and even the much celebrated revival of Commandaria Sweet Wine.

Guests will be able to meet and talk with Winemakers which be on hand in representation of the wineries from Ezousa, Etko, Makkas, Tsiakkas and Zambartas – all in the fore front of winemaking in Cyprus – An excellent opportunity to renew contact.

The event

15:30 to 17:00
Free tasting for professionals. Admission free. Registration required.

17:00 to 20:00
Free tasting for wine lovers. Admission free. Registration required.

Particiapting Wineries
Ezousa Winery
Etko Wines
Makkas Winery
Tsiakkas
Zambartas Wineries

Date
Monday, April 25, 2016
3:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Wolfbach11, Wolfbachstrasse 11, 8032 Zurich

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Stellar Commandaria leads the 8th Cyprus Wine Awards

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The Cyprus Wine Awards seem to highlight a growing commitment from wineries to Commandaria, it also set a challenge to the judges which decided not to award bronze in favour of high number of wines qualifying for silver. With a tally of a total of 3 grand golds, 16 golds and 24 silver medals awarded, the Commandaria Wines swept top awards, seemingly seducing the judging panel and confirming its good health among the 139 wines labels that participated in the 10 categories of the 8th Cyprus Wine competition. The special distinction for vinification of top local varieties Xynisteri and Marathetiko went to Ezousa Winery, while for Commandaria, it was Keo 1984 Commandaria which captured the distinction. The 2015 Cyprus Wine Competition Awards and Medals list goes as follow: Grand Gold: Commandaria Wine – St.John 1984 from Keo Winery Commandaria Wine – Centurion 2000 from Etko Winery Commandaria Wine – Alasia 2004 from Loel Winery

Categories with Gold Medals: Commandaria Wines

  • Tsiakkas Commandaria 2008, Tsiakkas Winery
  • Kyperounda Commandaria 2005, Kyperounda Winery
  • Kalamos Commandaria 2009, Nicholas Ignatiou & Sons
  • St. John N.V Commandaria, Keo Winery
  • G.Athenodorou Commandaria 2007, G. Athenodorou & Sons
  • Saint Barnabas Commandaria 2005, Sodap Kamenterena Winery
  • St. Nicholas Commandaria 2010, Etko Winery

Gold awarded Red Dry Wines

  • Metharme 2009, Ezousa Winery – Paphos Regional Wine
  • Vlasides Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Vlasides Winery – Limassol regional wine
  • Constantinou Shiraz 2012, C.G. Constantinou – Limassol Regional Wine
  • Kolios, Shiraz 2008, Kolios Winery, Paphos Regional Wine
  • Constantino, Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Erimoudes Winery, Limassol Regional Wine

Gold Awarded White dry Wines:

  • Ezousa Xynisteri 2014, Ezousa Winery, Pafos regional wine
  • Epos Chardonnay 2013, Kyperounda Winery, Limassol Regional Wine (gold)

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Enter the 8th Cyprus Wine Competition

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Return of the Cyprus Wine Competition, an Update for the Cyprus Wine Sector

As a signal to a much desired return to normality for the Cyprus Wine sector, the 8th Cyprus Wine competition returns with a full agenda of activities co-organised by municipality of Limassol, The SOK (winery proprietors) and the Union of qualified Oenologists.

Since the annexing of the now extinct Cyprus Wine Council and interrupted since 2013, the local quality barometer for Cyprus Wine, makes an official return under the guidance of the department of Agriculture and a wider circle of co-organisers and supporting entities.

The competition judging will be held from the 22nd -24th of April and as in the past, it will be following the procedures of the International Organization for Vine and Wine (OIV), open only to participating wines from Cyprus either as part of the Commandaria protected denomination, the protected geographical indication or specific varietal wines – all of which, will have obtained a certificate of conformity from the ministry to participate.

Update: 8th Cyprus Wine Awards Results

8th cyprus wine competition

A series of parallel events will be held across the island.

  • The continued Cyprus Wine Aroma series by the Cyprus Wine Academy will be further pursued as an itinerant Wine Salon from the 17th until the 20th – to be held in Nicosia, Paphos, Limassol and Paralimni successively
  • On going promotion activities and tastings at the Paphos and Larnaca airports 17th-25th April
  • Participating hotels and restaurants 17th-25th April
  • Wine seminar about Commandaria Wine production and Viticulture – 21st April
  • Closing Ceremony & Cyprus Wine Awards – Sunday 25th of April

Exceptionally, all events and celebrations will be held in memory of Oenologist Akis Zambartas, Cypriot Winemaker that passed away last November due to illness.  Our particular sparkle in the sky to eternally shine upon us.

The 8th Cyprus Competition Program can be downloaded via the link as seen in the image below

Akis Zambartas, a Cyprus Wine Star to shine eternally

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A wine star on earth has been lost,  but we’ve gained a sparkle in the sky to eternally shine upon us.

Akis Zambartas

Akis Zambartas, Cypriot Winemaker transformed into the cornerstone of wine education in Cyprus passes away at the young age of 67 years due to illness. Marcos Zambartas and family will carry on the legacy established by this french-schooled ‘Amant du vin et de la vie‘. Bon Voyage nôtre ami Akis.