Author: C.I.P. Citizens in Power
For those who are not aware of it, Commandaria is a sweet, fortified dessert wine primarily produced in Cyprus in the mountain regions. It is thought to belong in some of the oldest grape varieties in the world, dating back to the Middle Ages. Commandaria is made from sun-dried grapes – both white and black varieties. Its name derived from the Latin term “La Grande Commanderie” which was the name of the medieval order of knights known as the Knights Templar. These knights are believed to have introduced the wine to Europe during the Crusades. It was said to be favoured by kings and queens, and it was often given as a gift to important dignitaries. Over time, the wine became associated with the island of Cyprus and became a symbol of its history and culture. Did you know that it’s even in the World Guinness Book of Records as the oldest named wine in the world?
Throughout the centuries, stories of the wine abound. According to legend, King Richard the Lionheart of England was so taken with Commandaria that at his wedding he pronounced it “the wine of kings and the king of wines.” Equally struck by the intoxicating liquor was the French King Philippe Augustus who is said to have declared it to be “the Apostle of wines”.
Today, Commandaria is still produced on the island of Cyprus, and it continues to be known for its rich, sweet flavour and its historical significance. It is often enjoyed as a dessert wine, and it is also used in traditional Cypriot dishes. Although it is not as widely known as other types of wine, it remains an important part of Cyprus’s cultural heritage.
Recently, mechanisms have been revealed for its application to be included in the UNESCO’s International List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. The Cyprus Commission President has recently revealed these developments in an interview given at the Cyprus News Agency.
If you want to find out more about the wine’s rich cultural heritage, visit our e-worksheets, e-books and sample blended exhibitions with this thematic!
- E-worksheets: https://poemeproject.cip-projects.eu/io2-the-poeme-e-worksheets/
- E-books: https://poemeproject.cip-projects.eu/io3-the-poeme-e-book-creation-and-training/
- Sample blended learning exhibition: https://poemeproject.cip-projects.eu/io5-samples-of-poeme-blended-learning-exhibitions/
References:
- Hadjiloizou, P. (2023) “Application to register Commandaria wine in UNESCO’s list ongoing, Cyprus Commission President tells CNA” https://www.cna.org.cy/article/4698923
- Taste from Cyprus (2022) “History of Commandaria Wine” https://tastefromcyprus.com/2022/12/08/history-of-commandaria-wine/
- McNicoll (2013) “Commandaria: The oldest wine in the world”, CNN news https://edition.cnn.com/2013/12/13/business/commandaria-the-oldest-wine-world/index.html
