Results of 10th Cyprus Wine Competition

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

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