Cypriot Micro-Wineries Hope To Revive The World’s Oldest Named Wine

Praised by the ancient Greek giants Homer and Euripides for its superb quality nearly 3,000 years ago, Cyprus’ Commandaria is the world’s oldest recorded and named wine, Menelaos Hadjicostis reported for The Associated Press (AP).

Commandaria is said to have won the world’s first known wine competition during the 13th-century rule of French King Philippe Augustus. I Photo: Zambartas Wineries 

Despite its rich heritage, this sweet wine has struggled to find its place in the global market. Now, a number of micro-wineries in this East Mediterranean island nation are reviving traditional winemaking techniques, giving Commandaria a long-awaited chance at a comeback.

Winemakers hope to capitalize on the rich legends surrounding the ruby-red wine.

Commandaria 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 believed to have served it to guests at his 1191 wedding in Cyprus. In the 14th century, London's Mayor Henry Picard is reputed to have 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 their headquarters during the Third Crusade at an estate renowned for its wine production.

They named it Grande Commanderie, from which the modern name Commandaria is derived.