THE PGI AREA WINES OF CENTRAL GREECE FROM THE MOUNTAINS TO THE SEA

In the heart of the Greek mainland, the Central Greece region is a broad and diverse area for winemaking, producing unique wines with a variety of characteristics. The mixture of local and foreign varieties creates complex notes to the Central Greece wines, with a range of areas and vineyards worth exploring. All together, Central Greece is home to over a fourth of Greek vineyards, which employ a combination of traditional and modern methods.

Set a short distance from Athens, the five regional units of Central Greece lie along the southern part of the Greek mainland and the island of Evia to the East. Over the past 20 years, the region has experienced a winemaking renaissance focused on indigenous and, in some cases, almost forgotten, varieties.

Central Greece is home of 9 separate Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) Area wine zones which benefit from unique mesoclimates, unique varieties and skilled winemakers;

PGI Atalanti Valley | ΠΓΕ Κοιλάδα Αταλάντης

PGI Slopes of Knimida | ΠΓΕ Πλαγιές Κνημίδας

PGI Opountia Locris | ΠΓΕ Οπούντια Λοκρίδας

PGI Phthiotis | ΠΓΕ Φθιώτιδα

PGI Parnassos | ΠΓΕ Παρνασσός

PGI Thiva | ΠΓΕ Θήβα

PGI Lilantio Pedio | ΠΓΕ Ληλάντιο Πεδίο

PGI Evia | ΠΓΕ Εύβοια

PGI Ritsona | ΠΓΕ Ριτσώνα

The Valley of Atalanti (PGI Atalanti Valley) stretches across Central Greece from East to West, with Parnassos Mountain in the East and the sea to the West, allowing vineyards to cool naturally from a cross sea breeze and producing dry wines. Main whites grown in Atalanti are Assyrtiko and Savatiano, while the main red is Cabernet Sauvignon, adapted for over 30 years.

PGI Evia, one of the region’s better known wine zones, has a cooler north and more arid south. Covering the island of the same name, wine production in central and southern Evia employs traditional techniques, while northern Evia offers both Greek and international varieties and many modern wines. Whites include Savatiano, Malagousia and Moschofilero. Reds are Vradiano, Mavrokountoura and Syrah.

PGI Lilantio Pedio (or Field) wine zone is temperate with moderate winters and cool summers due to the influence of the sea and the Dirfy Mountain. Located on the island of Evia, the PGI produces dry to sweet white, rose, and red wines. The area has a long viticultural history associated with the Savatiano variety. Winemaking in Lilantio Pedio has evolved rapidly with additional varieties and types of wine now produced. Whites include Moschofilero and Roditis whilst some Reds are Vradiano and Syrah.

The vineyards of Opountia Locrida (PGI Opountia Locris) are surrounded by mountains and sea to the east, producing whites Athiri, Assyrtiko, Robola and Malagousia, with reds Limnio, Xinomavro, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot Opountia stretches along the southeastern part of Phthiotida It includes the area of ancient Opous, one of the nine area's cities mentioned by fertile soils are now grown on slopes, producing whites Athiri, Assyrtiko, Robola and Malagousia Reds are Mouchtaro, Agiorgitiko, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.

PGI Ritsona features hilltop vines which receive the moderating effect of a sea breeze, producing whites Savatiano, Malagousia, Assyrtiko and Monemvasia and reds Vradiano, Agiorgitiko, Karabraimis and Mandilaria One of the traditional wine-growing regions of Greece, PGI Ritsona is located on the mainland of Evia The region was once known only for white wine, and

Homer. The region produces dry white, rose, and red wines, produced by two wineries.

PGI Parnassos wine zone is one of the most mountainous regions in Greece. Cultivated white varieties are Athiri, Assyrtiko, Malagousia and Robola, while reds are Mavroudi, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc.

Slopes of Knimida features vines grown mostly on the southern slopes of Kallidromon. PGI Slopes of Knimida are located at higher altitudes, with cooler mesoclimates for winegrowing, allowing for slower ripening and thus the retention of acidity in the grapes. Visitors will find Assyrtiko, Athiri, Savatiano and Kontokladi in whites, Vradiano, Limnio, Mavroudi and Caberbet Sauvignon in reds.

PGI Phthiotis wine zone boasts a semi continental climate, with vines grown on slopes surrounded by mountains. White grape varieties are Aidani, Athiri, Assyrtiko and Malagousia, with reds Vradiano, Mavroudia, Limnio and Aglianico.

PGI Thiva wine zone, said to be the ancient home of Dionysus, Greek God of Wine, has cold winters and hot summers. Vines from previous now produces a broader range and styles using modern techniques. winesofcentralgreece com

The wine culture of Central Greece is among the most historically influential centres of viticulture in existence. The region's vineyards are a piece of living history with a variety of old dry farmed bush vines lying atop arid hillslopes stretching from the mountains of Central Greece to the sea.

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