Mavro
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Mavro (μαύρο) | |
|---|---|
 |
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| harvested mavro grapes | |
| Species: | Vitis vinifera |
| Origin: | Cyprus |
Mavro (Greek: μαύρο, meaning "black") is an indigenous red grape cultivated on the island of Cyprus. The grape takes its name from its dark colour. Negrette is a grape cultivated in the south west of France[1] and as its name implies is a direct descendant of mavro rootstock. It is believed to have been carried to France by the Knights of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem in the 12th century during the Crusades. Despite being an ancient variety, its suitability to the hot Cypriot climate has made it the dominant cultivated vine on the island. It accounts for 70% of cultivated vines [2]
It is used in the production of several (predominantly red) local wines. Most notably however, it is blended with the Xynisteri grape for the production of Commandaria, a well-known Cypriot dessert wine. Harvesting usually takes place in September.
[edit] References
- ^ Fronton, the History of the Appellation. Georges Vigouroux. Retrieved on January 27, 2007.
- ^ page 454, Larousse Encyclopaedia of Wine by Christopher Foulkes, ISBN 0-600-60475-6.
