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The history and cultural significance of Commandaria were presented to European officials and guests in Brussels this week during a special event organised as part of Cyprus' Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
The exhibition, titled Cyprus Nama: The History of Commandaria, was a joint initiative of Cyprus' Press and Information Office (PIO), the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) and the Republic of Cyprus' Permanent Representation to the EU. It was held at the EESC and formed part of a Cyprus-themed evening attended by members of the committee and invited guests.
Visitors were introduced to the story of Commandaria through excerpts from a new documentary produced by the PIO and directed by Stavros Pampallis. The presentation was accompanied by photographs taken by PIO photographer Andreas Loukaides, offering a look at the landscapes, people and traditions connected to the historic dessert wine.
According to the organisers, the exhibition explored Commandaria's development over thousands of years and its place within Cyprus' cultural heritage. It also examined the wine's international reputation and its association with the island's identity.
Speaking at the event, EESC Vice-President Alena Mastantuono described the exhibition as the first large-scale cultural display to be hosted at the committee's Brussels premises during Cyprus' EU Council presidency. She referred to Commandaria's long history, which stretches back more than three millennia, and its place in European medieval tradition.
PIO Director Aliki Stylianou said Commandaria represents an important part of Cyprus' living heritage. She recalled that it is regarded as the world's oldest named wine still in production and referred to its appearance in the medieval poem La Bataille des Vins, where it gained recognition as the "Wine of Kings".
Stylianou also pointed to references to the wine in ancient times, when it was known as Nama and mentioned by the Greek poet Hesiod in Works and Days.
The wine's long history has contributed to its recognition as a Protected Designation of Origin product within the European Union and its inclusion on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Deputy Permanent Representative of Cyprus to the EU Giorgos Ioannidis thanked the EESC for hosting the exhibition and the PIO for organising the event.
Guests also enjoyed a cultural programme featuring live music by the Michalis Kouloumis Quintet, along with food creations incorporating Commandaria, combining elements of Cyprus' history, culture and culinary tradition.
