Cyprus – Commandaria: The Sweet Wine of Kings Paired with Tzatziki

 

Commandaria: 

The Regal Sweetness of Cyprus

The perfect spirit for a mythical pairing

Legend and History

Commandaria is the oldest sweet wine in the world still in production. Its origins date back to around 800 BC, and it is mentioned by the ancient Greek poet Esiodus as “Cypriot Manna.”

In the 12th century, during the Crusades, it was served at the wedding of Richard the Lionheart and Berengaria, who called it "the wine of kings and the king of wines."

Its name comes from the historic production area around Kolossi Castle, the headquarters of the Knights Templar, known as the “Grand Commandery.”

Legend has it that Commandaria won the first-ever recorded wine tasting competition, the “Battle of the Wines” in the 13th century. Another story tells that an Ottoman Sultan invaded the island just to seize this prized wine.

Tasting Notes

This amber-colored dessert wine offers a remarkable aromatic profile:

• Aromas: dried fruits (apricots, figs, raisins), honey, caramel, orange zest, almonds, sweet spices, and vanilla.

• Flavor: sweet, full-bodied, and warm, balancing sweetness (125–150 g/L residual sugar) with the bright acidity characteristic of the white Xynisteri grape.

• Production: Made from sun-dried Mavro and Xynisteri grapes to concentrate sugars before fermentation and sometimes fortification. It must age at least two years in oak barrels; some versions use a solera system to enhance complexity and texture.

Pairing with Tzatziki

Your fresh, aromatic tzatziki with mint and dill finds a perfect counterpart in Commandaria:

• The elegant sweetness and fruity notes harmonize beautifully with the herbal freshness, creating a surprising balance.

• Ideal served chilled as a dessert wine or enjoyed as a digestif after the meal.