Cyprus [SI-pruhs]
Independent island republic located south of Turkey in the Mediterranean. Most of the better vineyards are situated in the foothills on the south side of the Troodos Mountains. Because it’s a former British colony, Cyprus is, to a degree, still tied to the British idea of wines and winemaking. The best Cypriot wines are their Spanish-style sherries and a dessert wine called Commandaria. The latter, which is light red- or amber-colored and can be rich, intense, and luscious, is made from various varieties of dried, raisined grapes. The island’s primary grape is the red Mavron, which is used in their full-bodied red wines and rosés and for the Commandaria. Small amounts of two red grapes—Opthalmo and Marathefticon—are also grown. The primary white grapes are Xynisteri and Muscat of Alexandria (Muscat). Other European varieties are being introduced to Cyprus, but with caution, because the island has never been afflicted with phylloxera.
The New Wine Lovers Companion, 2nd Edition, by Ron Herbst and Sharon Tyler Herbst. Copyright © (1) 2003, 1995 by Ron Herbst and Sharon Tyler Herbst. Reprinted by arrangement with Barron's Educational Series, Inc.