Zivania

This marc spirit from the island of Cyprus has been protected since 2004 and is considered a national drink. It dates back to the 14th century, when the island was under Venetian rule. The grape marc is mixed with high-quality dry wines from the Mavro (red) and Xynisteri (white) grape varieties and distilled. Distillation takes place in a large kettle (Kazani). It is then left to mature for a long time. The colourless spirit, usually 45% alcohol by volume, has a slight sultana aroma. However, there is also a red Zivania, which gets its colour from the addition of cinnamon. In Cyprus, especially in the mountain villages, the schnapps is considered a panacea for treating and disinfecting wounds, for massaging painful areas of the body, for soothing toothache or simply for warming up in cold seasons.

Zivania - Flasche

Designation in other countries

Pomace brandies in other countries are called Bagaceira (Portugal), Grappa (Italy), Marc (France), Orujo (Spain), Törkölypálinka (Hungary), Tresterbrand (German-speaking countries) and Tsipouro or Tsikoudia (Greece).

Further information

For the production of alcoholic beverages, see Champagne (sparkling wines), Distillation (distillates), Speciality wines, Spirits (types), Winemaking (wines and wine types) and Wine law (wine law issues).

Image: By Maxx1972 - Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

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Zivania

Designation in other countries

Further information

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