Wonderful Ethnic Wines: greekterroir

Macedonia & Thrace

Macedonia, in the northern part of Greece, produces wines with distinct elegance. Some would say these wines, especially the reds, are very close stylistically with French.

Naoussa: The red variety of Xynomavro is cultivated in this area at low altitudes and covers approximately an area of 7,000 hectares. Naoussa used to be a wine producing center of northern Greece up until the beggining of the 19th century. Phylloxera hit the area at the end of the century and it received the appellation of origin distinction in 1971.

Goumenissa: This region has less acreage and a different terroir and microclimate than Naoussa. It received the its appellation in 1981 and besides Xynomavro, producers can use the Negoska variety. It is located just north of Naoussa.

Amyndeo: The vineyards cover an area of 550 hectares and are located at a higher altitude than those of Naoussa.

Chalkidiki: From an oenological point of view, the most important area here is the the western coast of Sithonia where the Domaine Carras is located. At 450 hectares it is one of the largest in Europe. Roditis and Limnio are widely planted but there is also a range of fench varieties planted, such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. On the eastern leg of the peninsula, Mount Athos' 100 hectares of vineyards have been developed by the Tsantalis company. The main varieties cultivated are Cabernet Sauvignon, Xynomavro, and Limnio.

Appellations of Origin of Superior Quality
(OPAP)

Amindeo	Red Rose Rose	Dry Dry Sparkling	Xynomavro Xynomavro Xynomavro
Goumenissa	Red	Dry	Xynomavro, Negoska
Naoussa	Red	Dry	Xynomavro
Playies Melitona	Red White	Dry Dry	Athiri, Asyrtiko, Roditis Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Limnio

EPIRUS

Epirus is the smallest, less inhabited, and mostly rouged region of Greece. Only about a fifth of it is not mountainous and the earth is mostly calcareous. The climate differs from west to east due to the varying morphology. The towns of Zitsa and Metsovo are westwards and eastwards of Ioannina at elevations of 600 and 1,100 meters respectively. Despite the fact that there has been a large immigration to the south, this region has continued to produce commendable wines. During the past 30 years in the area of Metsovo there has been considerable reconstruction of wine production with Cabernet Sauvignon plantings, due to the help of the native Averoff family.

Zitsa: The area received the appellation of origin designation in 1971 and the wines call for the Debina variety. A variety fairly unique to the area, which is vinified with other red varieties in the area to produce dry and sparkling rose wines which are usually locally marketed. The vineyards are arranged on sloping grounds with ample drainage. In all there are about 400 hectares of vineyards in Zitsa and the surrounding areas.

IONIAN ISLANDS

Zakinthos: The island's terrain is mountainous with small fertile plains and there is plenty of rainfall throughout the year. The most popular grapes here are Skiadopoulo, Pavlos and Goustoulidi. This last one is used to produce a traditional wine called Verdea. The name is derived from the Italian word "verde" which means green. The reason for this is that the grapes are picked early in the summer and the wine produced has a greenish hue and is acid.

Kephalonia: It is a mountainous island with rich vegetation and marked contrasts in landscape. There are about 300 hectares of Robola on limestone earth at an altitude of 250 - 800 meters. The three varieties which comprise the appellation of origin are Robola, white Muscat and Mavrodaphne. However, one can also find Tsaoussi, Kozaniti and Perachoritiko. There have been and currently are commendable attempts at retaining the islands brilliant history of winemaking.

Corfu: The island is dominated by two mountains which divide it into three parts. In the north there are small verdant valleys with red varieties dominating in the vineyards. The central part, the most important, is drowned in vegetation, thickly wooded hillsides and small fertile plains. The narrow southern section is flatter and white grape varieties are present. There are about 1,800 hectares of white Kakotrigis, red Petrokorithos, Robola, Mavrodaphne and Muscat.

Appellation of Origin of Superior Quality
(OPAP)

Robola Cephalinias

White

Dry

Robola

Controlled Appellation of Origin
(OPE)

Muscat Cephalinias	White	Sweet	Muscat
Muscat Cephalinias	Red	Sweet	Mavrodaphne

THESSALY

Despite the fact that the area is mostly a fertile plain, the climate is conducive to the cultivation of grapes. Mount Olympus in the west and the Aegean sea in the east create varying temperatures throughout the year. Appellation wines are produced at Rapsani, Anhialos, and Mesenikola. This last town cultivates Savatiano and about 70 hectares of the Mesenikola variety at various altitudes.

Rapsani: Situated at a higher altitude than the rest of the region, Rapsani's soil is mostly calcareous and there is a fair amount of rainfall in the area. After the phylloxera pest destroyed the vineyards there was a substantial decline in the hectares replanted (300 hectares). However, Rapsani is responsible for about 80% of the grapes (Xynomavro, Krasato, and Stavroto) used in the production of this areas' appellation wine.

Anhialos: Located just south of Volos, the main port of Thessaly, the area has an appellation of origin wine which is produced from the Roditis and Savatiano grapes. There are restrictions on vine training and vinification methods due to the high yields and pinkish color of the Roditis variety. Most of the vineyards are cultivated close to sea level.

Appellation of Origin of Superior Quality
(OPAP)

Anhialos	White	Dry	Roditis, Savatiano
Rapsani	Red	Dry	Xynomavro, Krasato, Stavroto
Mesenikola	Red	Dry	Mesenikola, Carignan, Syrah

Topikoi Oenoi (Vin De Pays)

Thessalikos	White	Dry	Roditis, Savatiano
Kraniotikos	Red	Dry	Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
Tirnavou	White	Dry	Batiki, Roditis

CENTRAL GREECE & EVIA

Central Greece and Evia are responsible for about one third of Greek wine production. One would expect a large selection of grape varieties in these areas, however, due to the dry and warm climate and the destruction of vines by the phylloxera pest during the first half of this century, we mainly find the white Savatiano and pinkish Roditis. Central Greece and the Savatiano variety are widely known for the resinated dry white wine they produce. Going back in history, retsina originated from the use of resin to seal an amphora (a large clay pitcher used to transport liquids). Not only did the resin produce a thin film on the surface of the wine, thus reducing oxidation, but also masked any faults found in the wine. An appellation by tradition wine popular amongst the older traditional population in Greece, Retsina has incurred a negative effect on foreigners opinion of Greek wine. This is due to the multitude of producers, especially household ones, that mask the lesser quality wines' faults by adding resin. An exception to this norm is the Retsina produced by Kourtakis who has exported his label to many countries over the years.

Attica & Evia: Most of the vineyards in this area are located on the eastern coast and are dominated by Savatiano (Attica 90%, Evia 70%, Voeotia 50%). Despite this fact, cultivations of other Greek and French varieties are on the rise, especially that of Cabernet Sauvignon. A remarkable example of such a fruitful attempt can be found in Atalandi, close to Lamia, at the Hatzimihalis estate which has a wide selection of varieties. Moreover, small producers have taken advantage of the Savatiano and Roditis varieties, which can have remarkable results when cultivated in the right microclimate.

Topikoi Oenoi
(Vin de Pays)

Thevaikos	White	Dry	Savatiano, Roditis, Asyrtiko, Athiri, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc
Ritsonas Avlidos	White	Dry	Savatiano, Roditis
Peanitikos	White	Dry	Savatiano, Asyrtiko
Attikis	Red	Dry	Cabernet Sauvignon
Vilitsas	Red	Dry	Cabernet Sauvignon
Attikos	White	Dry	Savatiano
Pallinitikos	White	Dry	Savatiano, Asyrtiko
Playies Kitherona	White	Dry	Savatiano, Roditis, Asyrtiko
Vorion Playion Pentelikou	White	Dry	Chardonnay

PELOPONNESE

The morphology of the Peloponnese could be like that of Greece on a smaller scale. The west coast is mostly mountainous, like Epirus, and the rest of the land resembles that of central Greece. Most of the production is concentrated in the north (Patra). However, winemaking has increased in central Peloponnesos (Nemea, Mantinia) due to the higher altitude and climate. Peloponnesos is responsible for 25% of Greek wines produced.

Nemea: The appellation of superior quality is comprised of 16 villages and was established in 1971. The red variety of Aghiorgitiko, southern Greece's best, dominates in this area and has adapted perfectly to the area in the last 500 years.

Mantinia: There are two municipalities and 9 villages which comprise this area's appellation, established in 1971. 70% of the 500 hectares are planted with the fruity Moshofilero, and the rest with Asproudes, which is also vinified in the appellation wines. Most of the vines are grown at an altitude of 600 meters which means that the crush takes place in late September.

Patra: Located in the north of Peloponnesos, this area has about 4,000 hectares of vines which include the varieties of Mavrodaphne, Roditis and Sideritis. The two main producers here are Achaia-Clauss, established in the mid-nineteenth century and the Patras Co-operative. As in Cephalonia, the Mavrodaphne grape is used primarily for the vinification of sweet red wines.

Appellation of Origin of Superior Quality
(OPAP)

Mantinia	White	Dry	Moshofilero, Asproudes
Nemea	Red	Dry	Aghiorgitiko
Patra	White	Dry	Roditis

Controlled Appellation of Origin
(OPE)

Muscat of Patra	White	Sweet	Muscat
Muscat of Riou Patron	White	Sweet	Muscat
Mavrodaphne Patron	Red	Sweet	Mavrodaphne, Korinthiaki

Topikoi Oenoi (Vin de Pays)

Peloponnesiakos	White Red	Dry Dry	Roditis, Moshofilero, Asproudes Aghiorgitiko
Playies Petrotou	Red	Dry	Mavrodaphne, Cabernet Sauvignon
Trifylias	White Red	Dry Dry	Ugni Blanc, Fileri Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Carrignan, Grenache Rouge
Pylias	White	Dry	Roditis, Ugni Blanc, Chardonnay
Playies Orynis Korinthias	Rose	Dry	Aghiorgitiko
Letrinon	Red	Dry	Refosco, Mavrodaphne

AEGEAN ISLANDS

Santorini: The vines here are in the form of wreaths (stefani) so that the grapes which grow on the inside are not destroyed from the strong winds. White grape production reaches about 80% and there are about 1,200 hectares of both red and white varieties. The summers are warm and dry and the winters mild with few but strong rainfalls. The most interesting part about Santorini is its geomorphology. Most of the island's terrain is covered by deposits of volcanic material (resulting form the activity of its now dormant volcano) and its east side is an extensive, fertile plain.

Paros: As with Santorini, the strong winds have induced the grape growers to come up with a different training system. The vines here are left to crawl along the earth (aplotaries) and can reach up to four meters in length. The two most popular varieties are Mandilaria and Monemvasia (33% and 66% of production respectively). One can also find Savatiano and Vaftra on the neighboring island of Antiparos. Vaftra's pulp is colored and is used for adding color to reds. Paros has never been afflicted by phylloxera and received the appellation in 1981.

Limnos: The island has a gentle landscape with wide tracts of flat land with a highest peak of 430 meters. Its terrain is volcanic and the 1,000 hectares of vines include Limnio, also called Kalambaki, and Muscat of Alexandria which is more popular and is solely responsible for the appellation of origin, received in 1971.

Rhodes: An island with a long history in wines. It received the appellation of origin in 1971 mainly due to the CAIR company which buys 90% of grape production. The vines cover about 1,800 hectares, 1,100 of which are Athiri and 600 are Mandilaria. Rhodes' climate is probably the best in the Aegean for viticultureE and tourism. There is plenty of rain during the vines' dormant season and sunshine with cool breezes from the north during the growing season.

Samos: From a geological point of view Samos was formed as a result of major tectonic upheavals. Despite the dominant mountains the island's terrain displays considerable variety and small plains alternate with hilly regions. The white Muscat variety dominates in the vineyards and is responsible for the island's renown sweet wines (Samos Glyko and Nectar). When phylloxera hit this island in 1892 hardly any red varieties were replanted. There are about 1,800 hectares of vines cultivated on calcareous soil at various altitudes, from sea level to 800 meters.

Appellation of Origin of Superior Quality
(OPAP)

Limnos	White	Dry	Muscat of Alexandria
Paros	Red	Dry	Monemvasia, Mandilaria
Santorini	White White	Dry Sweet	Assyrtiko Assyrtiko, Aidani
Rhodes	White Red	Dry Dry	Athiri Mandilaria (Amorgiano)

Controlled Appellation of Origin
(OPE)

Muscat of Rhodes	White	Sweet	Muscat, Muscat Trani
Muscat of Limnos	White	Sweet	Muscat of Alexandria
Samos	White	Sweet	Muscat

Topikoi Oenoi (Vin de Pays)

Syrianos	White	Dry	Monemvasia, Assyrtiko
Aegeopelagitikos	White	Dry	Assyrtiko, Mandilaria, Athiri

CRETE

Crete accounts for 20% of all wine produced in Greece is the largest Greek island and the fifth largest in the Mediterranean. It is characterized by its diversity of landscape and marked contrasts. The island is dominated by a major mountain range extending from west to east, the highest peak being Psiloritis (3,000 meters).There are fertile valleys between the mountains, extensive plains and gorges (Samaria). Variety is the key-note of the Cretan landscape. The four major wine producing areas are Archanes, Dafnes, Peza, and Sitia. These areas are protected from the warm southern winds by the mountains which also provide water during the summer from the melting snow. The phylloxera pest has never arrived on Crete.

Archanes	There are about 500 hectares. in total of Kotsifali which ages nicely in barrels. The altitude is about 700m.
Dafnes	Located in central Crete, this area has approximately 400 hectares. of Liatiko grown on the slopes of mount Psiloritis at an altitude of 300-400m.
Peza	18 villages comprise this appellation with 800 hectares. of Kotsifali, Mandilaria and Villana at an altitude up to 600m.
Sitia	There are about 700 hectares. of Liatiko which is grown up to an altitude of 650m.

Appellations of Origin of Superior Quality
(OPAP)

Region	Type		Variety
Archanes	Red	Dry	Kotsifali, Mandilaria
Dafnes	Red Red	Dry Sweet	Liatiko Liatiko
Peza	White Red	Dry Dry	Villana Kotsifali, Mandilaria
Sitia	Red Red	Dry Sweet	Liatiko Liatiko

Vin de Pays
(Topikos Oinos)

Kritikos	White	Dry	Villana, Athiri, Thrapsathiri, Sylvaner, Sauvignon Blanc, Ugni Blanc.
	Rose	Dry	Liatiko, Kotsifali, Mandilaria, Romeiko, Ladikino,Syrah, Carignan, Grenache Rouge.
	Red	Dry	Kotsifali, Mandilaria, Liatiko.