Cyprus Lusignan Wine History
The story of Cypriot wine took a remarkable turn when the French House of Lusignan established their kingdom on the island in 1192. Guy de Lusignan received Cyprus after Richard the Lionheart conquered it during the Third Crusade, and what followed was nearly three centuries of transformation that would shape the island's wine culture forever. The Lusignans brought French nobility, Gothic architecture, and a deep appreciation for fine wine that matched their homeland's traditions. Historical Background Wine production in Cyprus dates back over 6,000 years, but the Lusignan period gave the island its most famous legacy: Commandaria. The sweet wine previously known as Nama was produced primarily in the region around Kolossi Castle, where the Knights Templar and later the Knights of St. John established their headquarters called "La Grande Commanderie." This feudal estate gave the wine its enduring name. Richard the Lionheart celebrated his wedding to Berengaria of Navarre in Limassol with this wine, declaring it "the wine of kings and the king of wines." The Lusignan economy relied heavily on agriculture, and wine emerged as a major export product alongside sugar and cotton. The Latin Church owned extensive estates throughout Cyprus that produced cereals, oil, and wine, with the clergy playing an important role in distributing these products, including the famous Maroa wine, to destinations outside the island…
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