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Micro-Wineries In Cyprus Aim To Revive The World’s Oldest Named Wine

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

March 11, 2025

Commandaria, praised by ancient Greek poets nearly 3,000 years ago, holds the title of the world’s oldest recorded and named wine. Once celebrated by royalty and historical figures, this Cypriot sweet wine has struggled to maintain its global presence despite its deep-rooted heritage.

A Rich History Of Recognition

The wine’s legendary status is deeply intertwined with European history. It is believed to have won the world’s first recorded wine competition in the 13th century under French King Philippe Augustus and was famously served at the wedding of English King Richard the Lionheart in Cyprus in 1191. The medieval Knights Hospitaller, who established their headquarters on the island during the Third Crusade, played a key role in its production and named it after their estate, the Grande Commanderie. Later, the Orthodox Church adopted the wine for religious ceremonies, further cementing its cultural significance.

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Commandaria reached its production peak under Venetian rule in the 15th and 16th centuries, valued for its distinctive sweetness and complex bouquet.

Challenges In The Modern Market

Despite its historical significance, Commandaria has faced difficulties in securing a place in the international market. Production reached around 200,000 bottles in recent years but saw a decline, partly due to the loss of Russian tourism, a key consumer base. Additionally, an attempt to enter the vast Chinese market faltered due to supply limitations.

Unique Characteristics And Production

Commandaria owes its distinctive taste to Cyprus’ volcanic soil, which enriches the grapes with notes of honey, raisin, walnut, fig, carob, cinnamon, coffee, and caramel. It is made from indigenous Mavro and Xynisteri grapes, which are sun-dried for up to 12 days to concentrate their sweetness. Strict European regulations mandate a minimum aging period of two years in oak barrels, and authentic Commandaria can only be produced in 14 designated villages on the southern slopes of the Troodos mountains.

The Role Of Micro-Wineries

Small, quality-focused wineries have begun to breathe new life into Commandaria. Unlike large-scale producers, these boutique operations prioritise craftsmanship over volume. Some wineries are experimenting with bespoke varieties, catering to evolving consumer preferences, and have gained a loyal domestic and international following.

A Slow But Steady Comeback

While global sales remain modest, domestic interest in Commandaria is growing. Some wineries have reported an increase in demand, with visitors returning to Cyprus specifically to replenish their stock. Experts believe that a sustained focus on quality and a well-coordinated marketing effort could position Commandaria for a stronger global presence.

To ensure long-term success, producers are focusing on refining quality and strengthening their foothold in the domestic market before making a collective push internationally. With its unparalleled history, unique production methods, and renewed dedication from small-scale winemakers, Commandaria may yet reclaim its place among the world’s most distinguished wines.

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EU Moderates Emissions While Sustaining Economic Momentum

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

November 15, 2025

The European Union witnessed a modest decline in greenhouse gas emissions in the second quarter of 2025, as reported by Eurostat. Emissions across the EU registered at 772 million tonnes of CO₂-equivalents, marking a 0.4 percent reduction from 775 million tonnes in the same period of 2024. Concurrently, the EU’s gross domestic product rose by 1.3 percent, reinforcing the ongoing decoupling between economic growth and environmental impact.

Sector-By-Sector Performance

Within the broader statistics on emissions by economic activity, the energy sector—specifically electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply—experienced the most significant drop, declining by 2.9 percent. In comparison, the manufacturing sector and transportation and storage both achieved a 0.4 percent reduction. However, household emissions bucked the trend, increasing by 1.0 percent over the same period.

National Highlights And Notable Exceptions

Among EU member states, 12 reported a reduction in emissions, while 14 saw increases, and Estonia’s figures remained static. Notably, Slovenia, the Netherlands, and Finland recorded the most pronounced declines at 8.6 percent, 5.9 percent, and 4.2 percent respectively. Of the 12 countries reducing emissions, three—Finland, Germany, and Luxembourg—also experienced a contraction in GDP growth.

Dual Achievement: Environmental And Economic Goals

In an encouraging development, nine member states, including Cyprus, managed to lower their emissions while maintaining economic expansion. This dual achievement—reducing environmental impact while fostering economic activity—is a trend that has increasingly influenced EU climate policies. Other nations that successfully balanced these outcomes include Austria, Denmark, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Romania, Slovenia, and Sweden.

Conclusion

As the EU continues to navigate its climate commitments, these quarterly insights underscore a gradual yet significant shift toward balancing emissions reductions with robust economic growth. The evolving landscape highlights the critical need for sustainable strategies that not only mitigate environmental risks but also invigorate economic resilience.