| Mavro (μαύρο) | |
|---|---|
| Grape (Vitis) | |
 Mavro grapes | |
| Species | Vitis vinifera |
| Origin | Cyprus |
| Notable wines | Commandaria |
| VIVC number | 3305 |
Mavro (Greek: μαύρο, meaning "black") is an indigenous red grape cultivated on the island of Cyprus.[1] The grape takes its name from its dark colour. The Italian ampelographer, Count Giuseppe di Rovasenda refers to it in 1877 as Cipro Nero (Cyprus black).[2] 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.[3] Of note is that Mavro continues to grow on ancient rootstock unlike most mainland European grapes that are grafted on North American rootstock. This is a consequence of Cyprus’ escape from the phylloxera epidemic that had devastated most other European vineyards, in the 19th century.[4]
Mavrud is a Bulgarian wine with a similar name made from mavrud grapes. Recent genotyping has shown that these two varieties (Mavro and Mavrud) are not related.[5]
Mavro grapes are used in the production of several (predominantly red) local wines.[1] Most notably however, Mavro is blended with the Xynisteri grape for the production of Commandaria, a well-known Cypriot dessert wine.[6][7] It is also used in the production of the spirit zivania.[8] Harvesting usually takes place in September.