If you’re visiting Cyprus on holiday soon, the Cyprus Mail have published a good review of which local wines to look out for when you’re dining out - or want to bring a bottle or two home (to read the article click here):

After setting up a confectionary business and a restaurant, Theodoros Fikardos was inspired to move into the wine business by his wife Ellie’s vineyards.

He does not have the advantage of family inheritance or government assistance. When he tours the winery with visitors Theo always mentions how he worked up a design, bought huge sheets of stainless steel, hired a welder and built his first fermentation tanks, which are still in use at the winery.

Based in Mesogi village since 1988, Fikardos winery has been at the forefront of the rise in popularity of the independent wineries that has taken place over the last 25 years.

For Fikardos winery his goal is simple: to craft better and better wines each year. He is a winemaker who likes to experiment and was one of the first to blend Xynisteri with an imported variety, in this case Semillon. He was also one of the first to use Mataro or Cabernet Sauvignon red grape varieties for rosé and he started experimenting with oak barrels and Chardonnay grapes years ago, not to mention his Riesling and the indigenous Spourtiko varietal exploits.

The future looks bright for this ebullient winemaker. His dream is to produce appellation of origin wines. A firm believer in quality control in the vineyards, first he purchased vineyards within an appellation zone and secondly land to build a new winery near Drousia in the Akamas, where he can benefit from the Akamas Laona Protected Designation of Origin zone.

2009 Fikardos Xilogefiro Chardonnay Fumé, Fikardos Winery, Pafos Regions, abv 12%

This is a finely grained, young and vibrant wine, definitely one of my favourite white wines for summer. Greeny-yellow colour, the aromas are still unfolding yet it has an appealing minerality. Citrusy nose, lime and grapefruit in particular, followed by green apple and white peach with a twist of melon. Medium bodied and dry, the palate has a light creamy, buttery texture and impressive length. It is fruit driven in the mouth with white peach, citrus to the fore with a subtle backdrop of oak. Seafood, chicken or pork dishes with cream, you have your match. Try it as well with citrus-based salads, smoked salmon or stuffed clams, crab cakes and mild cheddar too. €9.20

2009 Fikardos Iocasti, Mourvèdre, Fikardos Winery, Pafos Region, abv 13%

Made from Mataro from around Kallepia village. Cyprus is building up a wonderful tradition of rosés that are refreshing for a picnic or at the beach and marry extremely well with food. Pink colour, sweet fruit smell with good juicy strawberry and raspberry aromas. There is good weight in the mouth, racy acidity; tannins are soft, under the flavours section there is strawberry and apple skin as well as pomegranate. The finish is crisp, dry and balanced. An easy drinking wine, excellent with chicken dishes and stuffed vegetables, antipasto and barbecues. €4.90

2008 Fikardos Shiraz, Fikardos Winery, Pafos Region, abv14%

Shiraz is a variety that suits the Cyprus weather. This 2008 vintage red is still young and developing, dense purple colour, the nose displays notes of blackberry, cherry, nutmeg and intense spice and vanilla scents, a result of 16 months in French oak barrels. The wine is voluptuous and yet seamlessly elegant. Supple tannins complement richness and viscosity. Enjoy this wine with roast leg of lamb with lots of fresh herbs with a spicy-sweet sauce, with barbecue dishes or pasta arrabiata. €7.50

2008 Fikardos Maratheftiko, Fikardos Winery, Pafos Regions, abv 13.5%

New French oak barrels host this wine for 16 months. It displays a deep purple hue and has great clarity. The bouquet offers scents or ripe, well-defined blackcurrant, sour cherries, blackberry and blueberry. Add to that some herbs, spice and smoke. Flavours include notes of dark cherry and ripe plum with a hint of vanilla, some smoke and cocoa dust. Sturdy and firm but approachable. Try with grilled beef burgers or simple grilled lamb chops, grilled fillet mignon, pork belly marinated in red wine and sprinkled with coriander and hard cheese. €10.35

Fikardos Winery, Tel: 26 949814

Kyperounda

Enjoying Kyperounda wines in restaurants is one thing but tasting them at the winery is a sheer joy. The winery is situated in Kyperounda village in the Pitsilia region. At an altitude of 1,400m, it prides itself as sitting at a higher point than any other winery in Europe. Set up in the late 1990s, by 2000 Photos Photiades Distributors joined as a major shareholder, only to be quickly followed by the famous Greek winemaker Boutaris.

The vineyards are located at 1,400m too, again the highest in Europe. Those owned by the winery are planted with Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewurztraminer and Xinisteri. There is Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon as well as a small vineyard of Merlot. Still, the demands of the winery force it to also buy from local producers, as well as from vine growers in Kilani, and as far as the Paphos region.

On a recent visit we also tasted a promising sparkling wine made from Xinisteri using the Champagne method; it only lacked for my taste a touch of sweetness and a bit more vibrancy. Fine bubbles, light and gentle with apple flavours, it is only available at the winery.

2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, Kyperounda Winery, Lemesos Region, abv 14%

The 2007 is an opaque red with purple rim colour, full bodied Cabernet Sauvignon. The varietal aromas of ripe black cherry on the nose etched with mint sets the tone for enjoyment. The nose and palate is also dominated with blackcurrant and a smidgen of mint and sage invades the medley of black fruits that dominate the palate. Dry, rich and complex while the length is just as impressive with an inky twist on the finish. Serve with steak and kidney pie, T-bone steaks, roast lamb shanks and hard cheeses. €9.80

If you’re in Cyprus between the 26th of July and the 1st of August this summer, the Koumandaria Festival may be worth attending, report Thomas Cook Holidays.

The locals of the Kourris Valley, one of Cyprus’ better known wine producing areas near Paphos, celebrates the wine called Koumandaria with this annual festival. You are guaranteed to fall in love with this sweet, amber-coloured dessert wine. The main participating villages are Alassa, Agios Georgios, Doros, Laneia, Monagri and Silikou.

The ancient Greek poet Homer already mentioned a sweet wine produced in Cyprus, and scientists are fairly certain that Koumandaria is produced on this island since 4000 years ago. However, it got its name from the Gran Commanderie, an area surrounding the well preserved Kolossi Castle west of Limassol. This castle became the headquarters (Commanderia, Koumandaria) of the Knights of Templars in the 12th Century. Thanks to the knights, the wine became famous during the time of the Crusades. After all these centuries, it is still a popular drink with both locals and tourists.

Even though Cyprus is a warm weather destination all year long, the summers here are not as intensely hot as they are in other regions of the Med. August temperatures rarely climb higher than 32 C. Summer rain is nearly non-existent and humidity is also very low. Sea water in Paphos is warm throughout the summer months. Winter in Paphos is fairly mild with temperatures normally no colder than 10 degrees. However, winters in Paphos tend to be rainy. Late spring and early autumn are the best seasons to visit this island when it comes to the weather, but the majority of tourists flock to Paphos in July and August and they hardly ever complain!

For those who have booked flights to Cyprus the Arkadia Festival will be an interesting event. This festival celebrates traditional Cypriot hospitality with live music, traditional dancing and wonderful Cypriot food.

For the latest Cyprus weather visit http://www.yourcyprus.info

Thomas Cook Holidays offer both flights and accommodation for the island.

For many visitors to Cyprus, it’s not just the sunshine and friendly people that makes it such a great holiday island, it’s the cuisine as well, and quite a few people become interested in the Mediterranean diet.

Here’s an article about the Mediterranean diet from Eva Alexander:

a) It is widely known that Mediterranean diet has high fat content.  Is weight loss still possible if people will follow this kind of diet?

Mediterranean diet is high in fats.  But these consist of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.  These are healthy fats needed by your body.  In contrast, the typical American diet is rich in saturated fats.  It should be noted also that fat content in your diet does not determine weight loss.  It is your calorie consumption that will generally influence weight loss and optimum weight management.  Mediterranean diet provides lots of healthy benefits but it is still essential to lower your calorie consumption to achieve better results.

b) What makes the Mediterranean diet different from the common American diet?

Americans consume high numbers of red meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy, while the Mediterranean includes very little. The diet also differs from the typical American diet through its dependence on fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, olive oil, beans, breads, cereals, and potatoes.

c) What is the effect of Mediterranean diet in lowering the incidence of heart disease?

Mediterranean diet plays an important role in lowering the incidences of cardiovascular disorder.  This finding has been proven by major research and studies.  More importantly, the success of the Mediterranean diet comes from the fact that it promotes a holistic approach to healthy living.  By following the Mediterranean diet, you will learn how to eat healthy and how to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

d) How does exercise, walking, and physical activity enter into the “recipe” for the Mediterranean diet and health?

Exercise is always essential no matter what type of diet you follow.  The best thing about the Mediterranean diet is that it encourages daily regular exercises as part of the holistic approach to achieve a healthy lifestyle.  When this type of diet was introduced in the sixties, exercise and physical activities were already part of the culture of the Mediterranean people.  For your minimum exercise needs, you have to take a daily one-hour walk and weekly full body exercise.

e) How the Mediterranean diet differ from the Low Carb diet?

The main difference between these two types of diet programs is protein.  Generally, Mediterranean diet has low protein content.  You will only get about 15 percent of your daily calorie consumption from the proteins of Mediterranean diet.

f) Wine has always been part of the Mediterranean diet.  What is the recommended daily amount for wine?

Men should generally get 5 percent calories from wine while women should consume 2.5 percent calories.  As a rule, always drink wine in low to moderate amounts daily to enjoy best results.

g) Final Recommendations

Mediterranean diet is a good program that can help you achieve good health.  This type of diet can help prevent cardiovascular diseases.  The key is to eat foods that are rich in Omega 3 and combine these with root crops, vegetable, fruits, breads, and cereals.

About the Author - Eva B. Alexander writes for the diabetes diet mediterranean blog, her personal hobby website focused Mediterranean diet healthy eating tips to live better and longer.

For Cyprus villa holidays and a map of Cyprus visit yourcyprus.info

The Cyprus Mail - http://www.cyprus-mail.com - recently ran an article about some new wines from a Cypriot vineyard, writing:

There is something about the number 7. It deals with magical forces, the esoteric, scholarly aspects of magic, a mystery. When it comes to Cyprus wine though there is no mystery, perhaps just the magic. The number 7 is prominent on the labels of the newly founded Photiades Oinopoiitiki Winery.

7 Playies (slopes) is the name given to four of the wines – two whites, a rosé and a red – which are joined by the new white Aelios and the red Selana. The vineyards are situated in the Kamanterena region of Stroumbi in Paphos. After the eight-year success of Kyperounda winery, Photiades Oinopoitiki aims to create wines that are far from safe and conventional. These wines are innovative, with different expression to most Cyprus wines. To achieve innovation, the oenological experience of the House of Boutari from Greece came in handy with advice on winemaking protocols, along with the expertise of the Kyperounda Winery team, which supervises the harvest and all facets of production until bottling. The wines are produced, aged and sometimes bottled at SODAP’s Kamanterena winery.

The thinking behind this new venture is to use the expertise of the Kyperounda winery – a winery that cannot expand production much further - and take advantage of quality Paphos vineyards. The result was six new wines on the Cyprus market.

 2008 7 Playies, Xinisteri, Photos Photiades Oinopioitiki, Pafos Regional, abv 12%

Pale, a bit lime green in colour or pale straw with a touch of green, whatever you prefer. The wine has lifted, fresh flower aromas especially jasmine, some tropical as in mango, peach and Granny Smith apples along with rosemary. This is a very nice ‘sweet’ nose with a touch of freshly cut grass. The palate and flavour profile is greener apple, some pineapple and peach with some lemon zest, light in body, dry and crisp with some juicy green melon. The acidity is still alive, making this wine refreshing and mouthwatering. Enjoy it with green salad with goat cheese and grilled chicken served with spinach rice. €5.25

2008 7 Playies, Xynisteri – Moscato, Photos Photiades Oinopioitiki, Pafos Regional, abv 12%

This is a medium sweet wine, for those who like sweetness in their wine and to complement Asian cuisine. Indeed, the use of Moscato grape is spreading and the grape itself is becoming more acceptable to consumer balance. Yellow with a touch of green, succulent and grapey first, flowery with some lemon grass, then sweet aromas leap from the glass, honeycomb and lavender, ripe pink grapefruit and bergamot, the Xynisteri prevents the Moscato aromas and flavours from cloying. Xynisteri keeps its characteristics, Moscato adds the intensity and there is fine acidity in this wine with a spritz, keeping the wine clean and bright. Asian restaurants take note. €5.25

To read the rest of the article and reviews click here

For more details about the island, including the Cyprus weather visit http://www.yourcyprus.info