CENTRAL GREECE & EUBOEA

Central Greece and Euboea 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 & Euboea: Most of the vineyards in this area are located on the eastern coast and are dominated by Savatiano (Attica 90%, Euboea 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)

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