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| Novelty : Wines from Cyprus |
| By Radhika Puar |
| The High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus to India, H.E. Mr. Demetrios A. Theophylactou, hosted a Cyprus Wine Tasting Evening – a selection of Cyprus’ finest wines – in New Delhi. |
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H.E. Demetrios A. Theophylactou, High Commissioner of Cyprus and
H.E. Panos Kalogeropoulos, Ambassador of Greece |
| Supported by the Ministry of Energy, Commerce, Industry, Tourism of the Republic of Cyprus, the tasting guided by Sommelier Magandeep Singh was held at the Embassy of Greece – a gesture “reflecting the traditionally friendly relations between Cyprus and Greece”. |
| Reflecting on the long history of wine making in Cyprus, the High Commissioner suggested that one of the wines being presented (Commandaria) was “believed” to be the “oldest wine in the world” dating back to the time of the ancient Greeks and served at the wedding of King Richard the Lionheart to Berengaria of Navarre in the 12th Century. |
| A very impressive presentation, which included a taste of the famed Halloumi, nuts and olive oil that accompanied the tasting. Such novelties will need to be re-enforced more regularly to make any dent on the palate of the Indian consumer. The presenters hope that the importers and trade who attended would make these (and other) Cypriot wines available in India – soon. |
| The Wines |
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| Kyperounta 2016. White wine from the Xynisteri grape. Dry white wine. Pale yellow with green tints. Notes of stone fruit. |
| Vasilikon 2016. White wine from the Xynisteri grape. Pale gold. Complex nose. Notes of peach with hint of nuts and acacia. Much longer finish. |
| Ayia Mavri 2016. Rose wine from Cabernet Franc. Deep strawberry pink with purplish tints. A very lovely honey aroma. 14% alcohol. Medium body. |
| Vasilikon Lefkada 2015. Red wine from the Mavron grape. Deep ruby colour with purple tints. Extremely fruity, and full of ripe dark berries. |
| Andesiths 2015. Red wine. Dark ruby. Slightly closed nose. Powerful firm tannins that eased up on oxygenation. |
| Ayia 2014. Red wine from the Maratheftiko grape. Pale ruby. Distinct floral (violet) character. Medium bodied, powerful yet gentle. |
| Ayia Mavri 2012. Sweet wine from the Muscato grape. An enchanting aroma of nectarines, orange blossom and vanilla. |
| Ayia Mavri 2013. Sweet wine made by raisining (passilarage) the Nostimon Hmap grape. Darker gold. Notes of vanilla and honey. |
| Sodap Commandaria Saint Barnabas. Almost amber coloured. Strong intense notes of vanilla, dried flowers and a hint of dried herbs. Evolved. Very long cool minty finish. |
| vino india was invited to what some may believe is the first tasting of wines of Cyprus in Delhi. |
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