Χάνδακας - Candia (Handakas - Candia)
Styles
Principal grape varieties
VidianoAssyrtikoAthiriThrapsathiriKotsifaliMandilariaMalvasia Di Candia Aromatica B. — Malvasia (Malvasia Di Candia Aromatica)
Terroir
Natural factors
- Vineyards up to 700 m altitude, with pronounced relief and extensive slopes.
- Mountain massifs at the centre of the zone shield the vineyards from warm southerly winds.
- Cool northerly winds (unobstructed by mountain massifs on the northern side) contribute to a later ripening of the grapes.
- Typical μεσογειακό κλίμα: mean annual temperature 18 °C and mean annual rainfall 440 mm.
- A continental Mediterranean microclimate with mild winters and cool summers favours refreshing acidity in the wines.
Human factors
- Viticulture in Κρήτη during the Roman period: exports of Cretan amphorae from Paphos to Carthage and Strasbourg.
- Documents dated 1339–1608 from Χάνδακας record contracts for the purchase of must and Μαλβαζία vines between Cretans and Venetians.
Product characteristics
- The wines develop a characteristic aromatic profile with refreshing acidity, as a result of the mild winters and cool summers.
- Cool northerly winds slow ripening, contributing to the preservation of acidity and freshness in the grapes.
Terroir / wine link
- The continental Mediterranean microclimate with mild winters and cool summers contributes to an aromatic profile and refreshing acidity.
Facts drawn from the cahier's terroir-link section (Lien au terroir) by automatic interpretation — see the source.
Sources
- National product specification (PDF) — ypaat
- eAmbrosia register (EU) — File number PDO-GR-A1615