DISCOVER THE PGI WINES OF CENTRAL GREECE

A diverse and unique wine region

Set a short distance from Athens, Central Greece lies along the southern part of the Greek mainland, encompassing the island of Evia to the East. The diverse landscape is framed by a picturesque coastline along the Aegean to the east and the Ionian to the west. For more than a century, extensive vine cultivation has been concentrated on the fertile plains of Central Greece. The region is in the midst of a quality-driven renaissance which sees modern winemarkers exploring the region’s terroirs and new varieties of grapes - from forgotten ancient local varieties to international and grapes from other Greek regions including Assyrtiko, Sauvignon Blanc, Agiorgitiko and Syrah.

Central Greece is home to over a fourth of Greek vineyards, which employ a combination of traditional and modern methods across 9 separate Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) wine zones which benefit from unique mesoclimates, unique varieties and skilled winemakers. The breadth of varieties grown in the region creates complex notes; 40 indigenous and international varieties are grown locally, resulting in the PGI wines zones of PGI Atalanti Valley, PGI Slopes of Knimida, PGI Opountia Locris, PGI Phthiotis, PGI Parnassos, PGI Thiva, PGI Lilantio Pedio, PGI Evia and PGI Ritsona.

A plethora of old growth vines offer winemakers the benefit of good quality grapes resulting in better quality wines. Winemakers strive to express the aromas, structure and unique character of these grapes. The range of style of wines is the most diverse in Greece: whites can range from light, easy-to-drink wines to savoury and complex; reds from fruity and mellow to sophisticated, pure expressions of terroir; while refreshing and aromatic rosè wines are ideal for Mediterranean summers.

Greece: the sturdy 'Savatiano' – one of the most ancient Greek grapes which produces light and refreshing whites with herbal aromas and fascinating ageing potential (PGI Evia, PGI Thiva, PGI Atalanti Valley)–and the aromatic 'Malagousia', a zesty, expressive and intensely aromatic wine (PGI Atalanti Valley, PGI Evia, PGI Thiva, PGI Ritsona). The star indigenous red grape varieties of the region are 'Mouctharo’ (PGI Thiva), 'Mavrokountoura’ (PGI Evia) , and 'Vradiano’ (PGI Lilantio Pedio, PGI Evia). Mouchtaro, grown exclusively in Askri, produces refreshing rose wines and deep coloured, fruity and mineral reds. Mavrokountoura yields zesty roses ideal for easy drinking alongside mellow but sturdy reds. Vradiano produces fruity roses and rich, spicy reds. All these indigenous grape varieties have been revived in recent years by the local vine growers and winemakers in their quest to preserve Greece’s viticulture heritage.

Whether sipping amongst the emerald mountains and coastal hilltops of Greece or enjoying a taste of the sun soaked Mediterranean from the comfort of your home, the wines of Central Greece offer something for every palate.