COLOUR
Red
TYPE
Dessert
VINTAGE
NV
GRAPE
Xynisteri, Mavro
PRODUCER
KEO
REGION
Commandaria
CHARACTERISTICS
Body
Full
Sweetness
Sweet
Acidity
Medium - High
Finish
Long
Intensity
Pronounced
Tannins
Medium
AROMAS & FLAVOURS
ABOUT THIS WINE
KEO St. John Commandaria is a naturally sweet dessert wine from Cyprus, recognized as one of the oldest named wines in continuous production, with origins tracing back 5,000 years. Its name derives from the Knights of St. John. The wine is produced in the Commandaria region, located on the eastern slopes of the Troodos Mountains. KEO, the producer, is a well-established Cypriot wine and brewing company founded in 1927. A distinctive aspect of this wine is its production method, which utilizes a Solera system, blending wines of different ages to maintain a consistent style.
ALCOHOL
15.0%
AVG. PRICE
€30
STYLE
Classic
SULPHITES
NO
When to drink
Now or Later
Ideal temperature
14-16°C
INTERESTING FACTS
Fact 01
Considered the world's oldest named wine, with origins dating back 5,000 years.
Fact 02
Named after the Knights of St. John, who popularized it across Europe.
Fact 03
King Richard the Lionhearted reportedly called it 'The king of wines and the wine of kings'.
Fact 04
Uses a Solera system with some reserves potentially over 100 years old.
FOOD PAIRING
Read more
WINE MAKING PROCESS
The production of KEO St. John Commandaria begins with the hand-harvesting of extremely ripe grapes. These grapes are then sun-dried on straw mats for 7-10 days to concentrate their sugars. The resulting syrup-like juice is fermented naturally in traditional wooden vats. Following fermentation, the wine is aged in old oak barrels for a minimum of two years. A Solera system is employed for blending wines of different ages, ensuring a consistent style year after year. KEO's isothermic cellars are used for the aging process.
