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Greek-Cypriot Wine Making Traditions Revived in New York

Aristos Constantine, Susan Korstrewa, Elena Maroulleti Cypreco Cyprus Wines 1
Aristos Constantine, Susan Korstrewa, Elena Maroulleti at Cypreco “The Roots of the Cyprus Wine” event

A full house of guests enjoyed a very unique folk arts program dedicated to the wines of Cyprus on June 1 at the Cyprus House in Manhattan in New York presented by CYPRECO of America, Inc.

The event which was offered with free admission as a public service was part of CYPRECO’S ongoing mission of promoting different aspects of the rich heritage, folklore and history of Cyprus to wide audiences.  Past similar events include the “Lefkara Lace of Cyprus,” “The Pre-Historic  Settlement of Khirokitia” and  “The Cyprus Bread” among others.

Under the title, “The Roots of the Cyprus Wine,” the event explored and highlighted the rich viticulture of Cyprus through a screening of an original mini-documentary and special remarks by Guest Speaker, Susan Kostrzewa, Executive Editor of Wine Enthusiast Magazine, an acclaimed publication that provides ratings and reviews for wines from around the world.

The event was greeted by CYPRECO’s President Elena Maroulleti who was also the Executive Producer of the program, the Cyprus Trade Commissioner in New York Aristos Constantine and the Consul General of Cyprus, Ambassador Vasilis Philippou.

The short film which truly enthused all in attendance revived the centuries-old history and tradition of wine making in Cyprus with special emphasis to the Cypriot wine maker and to his ties to earth, vine and wine.  Furthermore, it showcased all of the main areas in Cyprus such as Paphos, Limassol, Troodos among others involved in cultivating vines and producing wine.  Enhanced with unique footage, the film also highlighted and explained the traditional methods, process and secrets of planting the best vines, harvesting the grapes and finally the process of making the various wine varieties, including the indigenous varieties “Xynisteri,” “Vamvakada” and the world renowned and award winning Commandaria wine, an amber-colored sweet dessert wine made on the foothills of the Troodos mountains.  The film also emphasized the unique character of the Cyprus wine, the cultivation and production of which has been passed on from generation to generation over the centuries and which is very closely connected to the religion and culture of the people of Cyprus.

Guest Speaker, Susan Kostrzewa shared her expert opinion on the quality and uniqueness of the Cypriot wines noting that her visit to Cyprus has helped her appreciate that, apart from its sunny beaches, the island has an abundance of high land that produces exquisite wines and indigenous varieties which need to be further discovered by foreigners and visitors.

A reception followed that gave the opportunity to guests to taste some of the indigenous varieties of the Cypriot wines such as “Xynister,i, a dry white wine with fruity aroma of apricot and peach with a fresh and balanced taste,  “Vamvakada” a medium red bodied wine from the Pitsilia region,  with spicy currants and vanilla undertones with a distinct taste of dark forest fruits, firm tannins and an ability for long aging and the famous Cypriot desert wine Commandaria.  Guests were also treated to some traditional Cypriot food and cheeses such as halloumi provided by Cypriot Tavern Zenon and a TITAN Foods in Astoria.

The event was under the auspices of the Cyprus Trade Center and the Consulate General of Cyprus in New York and it was made possible in part by Arch Capital Group (U.S.) Inc., the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs and Astoria Bank, Ditmars Branch.  Media Sponsors, AKTINA FM and AKTINA TV.

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