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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Stellar Commandaria leads the 8th Cyprus Wine Awards

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

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

Fill the gap, taste the wine and earn a medal

Limassol Municipality steps forward in support of the 1st Cyprus Wine Competition of a new Era.

In a statement, the Limassol municipality acknowledged that it is the organization’s unique Wine Competition taking place in Cyprus, in accordance with Regulation tendering wine of the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (Organisation Internationale de la Vigne et du Vin, OIV) and under the patronage of the OIV

cyruswinecompetition

Two years since the Cyprus Wine Products Council was sent into inoperability by it’s last board members, finally the Cyprus Winemaker Association has sought out the implication of various entities in order to re-establish the annual judging so well executed by the council in it’s last editions.

An enormous gap to fill, which all entities involved will have to manage with the help of Cyprus Enologists  the Cyprus Association of Sommeliers whose main objectives will be to return part of the credibility lost, not so much in the wines but in a competition which had higher aims.

The seven-member jury composed of oenologists and other experts from Cyprus and abroad, will award 30% of the presented samples, in a 3 day competition to be helo in Limassol from the 4th until the 7th of June and extended awards will rank according to Grand Gold, Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals. Special awards will be given also to the wine categories such as  Xynisteri, Maratheftiko and a Commandaria.

The official announcement of the results and the presentation of diplomas will be held in Limassol, in a special event to award the late afternoon on Saturday June 7, 2014 at the Cultural Center Panos Solomonides.

The event, called symbolic “Open Doors”, the public will have the opportunity, buying a glass of wine and taste award-winning wines and chat with winemakers and experts of the Competition.

The coming of Age of Xynisteri

A desirable appetite for New Generation Wines from Cyprus

Petritis Xynisteri Vertical Tasting in Kyperounda PitsiliaThat taste which washed away a 30 year myth – Is this a far fetched afterthought for Cyprus Wines and Xynisteri grape?

Don’t just take it from us,  seemingly, that past and sleepy giant is slowly but surely awakening to be appreciated again; A few years back it was in the words of  a surprised Jancis Robinson.

Some of the worst wine I have tasted since I started writing about wine was what was available the one time we went on holiday to the far-eastern Mediterranean island of Cyprus in 1983. The whites showed the most old fashioned of faults, oxidation, clearly having been made without recourse to temperature control. Rather charmingly retro in a way.   BUT THE OTHER DAY,…..I came across this marvel, Kyperounda, Petritis Xynisteri 2011 Cyprus, so fresh and bursting with fruit

You can take reviews for whatever they’re worth, but in the context of wiping out 30 years of sustained negative review – the latest positive appreciation, is quite an achievement by the Petritis Xynisteri from Kyperounda.

Well done to the winemakers at Kyperounda Winery and the efforts of HallgartenDruitt (Novum Wines) and other importers, for taking a risk to  make more Cyprus Wines available on their local markets.

Update 2015: The upcoming 8th Cyprus Wine Competition is to be celebrated in Limassol during the month of April.


For your interest: The actual Cyprus Wine Competition results sets the quality benchmark for Cyprus Wines.

Here: Consult current Cyprus Wine Awards (2012) results.

Wines & Vines ZineFlip Through Cyprus Wines on your Device Wines and Vines from Cyprus - Evoinos Cyprus Wine

Cyprus Wine Awards distinguishes Cyprus Wine Products Council Mission

In it’s 7th year edition, the Cyprus Wine Competition held during April 25-27, has consolidated itself as the launch pad for quality wines in Cyprus.

Cyprus Gold Awards - 7th Wine competitionAt the award ceremony last night,  while addressing invited authorities, winemakers, international judges and distinguished guests, Mr. Ionnides, deputy director of the Cyprus Wine Products Council, highlighted the importance of the competition as a lauch pad for Cyprus Wines but also as a demonstration of strict quality from the guiding rules of blind tastings as specified by the cannons of the International Organisation of Vine and Wine, OIV. Continue reading