🥃 Zivania

Zivania is Cyprus's answer to grappa, though it is made by its own rules: a Cypriot grape marc spirit and an EU geographical indication, «Zivania» (category 6, protected since 2008). It is obtained by a single simple distillation of fermented marc, mainly from traditional Cypriot varieties, sometimes with a small share of wine lees. Finished zivania is clear, with no sediment or suspended particles, at 43–52% ABV.

The EU register protects four forms of the name: Ζιβανία, Τζιβανία, Ζιβάνα and Zivania; the production area is the whole Republic of Cyprus. The main varieties are the red Mavro («local black») and the white Xynisteri; less often Maratheftiko, Giannoudi, Ofthalmo, Spourtiko, Promara or Morokanela are used. Marc from a single non-Cypriot variety on the national list is also allowed, but its name must then appear on the main label.

Healthy grapes are destemmed and crushed; the pulp ferments at 28–30 °C without sulphur dioxide, sometimes in a traditional Cypriot clay jar. The wine is then drawn off and is not distilled into zivania. The fermented marc goes into a batch still (kazani) that may not have a single iron part; wine lees may make up no more than 2% of the volume. The distillate is diluted with water to the desired strength, rested to stabilise and bottled.

According to the technical file, zivania has an intense aroma of overripe grapes, raisins and spices, and a warm, oily palate. It differs from other category 6 spirits in its higher copper, magnesium and zinc content, linked to the island's limestone and volcanic soils, and in furfural from simple distillation in copper stills. Methanol must stay below 200 g/hl of pure alcohol, five times stricter than the general EU limit. Zivania festivals are held every year in Omodos, Koilani, Pelendri, Alona and other villages.

Why this matters to you. Real zivania comes only from Cyprus; the name «Zivania» on the label is printed in letters at least 7 mm high, and a non-Cypriot variety must be named. Unlike similar spirits, it is not flavoured, sweetened or coloured. WHO: there is no safe level of alcohol.