Praised by the ancient Greek literary giants Homer and Euripides for its superb quality nearly 3,000 years ago, Cyprus’ Commandaria is the world’s oldest recorded and named wine.
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Despite its rich heritage, the sweet wine has struggled to find its niche in the global market. Now a number of micro-wineries in the eastern Mediterranean island nation are reviving traditional winemaking techniques and giving Commandaria a chance at a long-awaited comeback.
Makers hope to tap rich legends around the ruby red wine.
It is said to have won the world’s first known wine competition during the 13th century rule of French King Philippe Augustus. English King Richard the Lionheart is said to have served it to guests at his 1191 wedding in Cyprus. And 14th century Mayor of London Henry Picard reputedly indulged the leaders of England, France, Scotland, Denmark and Cyprus in the Feast of the Five Kings.
The wine, known as nama in antiquity, was renamed by the medieval Knights Hospitaller, who set up headquarters during the Third Crusade at an estate known for its wine production that they named Grande Commanderie.
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