Beverage

Commandaria

Commandaria is Cyprus’s historic sweet wine from sun-dried Mavro and Xynisteri grapes in the Troodos foothill villages of the Commandaria zone. Concentration from drying yields raisin, honey, and spice character; fortification is permitted in modern production though some traditional lots rely mainly on passito strength. Amber to mahogany colour and long ageing give a profile among the oldest continuously named wines of the Mediterranean. Serve slightly cool with nuts, baklava, aged cheeses, and dark chocolate. In cookery, Commandaria glazes roast meats, sweetens fruit compotes, and enriches dessert sauces where raisiny depth is wanted; a little goes far because of sugar and intensity.

Also known as: Commandaria