Ήπειρος (Ipiros)

Styles

Principal grape varieties

Terroir

• Continental, wet, and harsh climate with rainfall among the heaviest in Greece.
• Mountainous terrain dominated by the Pindus range, with the highest peak reaching 2,600 metres.
• Low winter temperatures in the upland areas due to the direct influence of the relief on the climate.
• Massive mountains with valleys feeding long rivers around Ioannina.
• Winds during the summer months are a decisive factor in shaping the character of the wines.

• The Ντεμπίνα variety has been cultivated in Ζίτσα since before 600 AD, with legislative recognition as an OPAP appellation since 1972.
• In 1973 the first organized winery in northwestern Greece was established, accompanied by vineyard replanting and the use of phylloxera-resistant rootstocks.

• The Ντεμπίνα variety yields αφρώδεις and semi-sparkling wines with pronounced acidity and slow aromatic maturation.
• The sparkling and semi-sparkling wines of ΠΓΕ Ioannina are distinguished by their typicity and distinctive quality characteristics.

• The pronounced acidity of Ντεμπίνα in sparkling wines is attributed to the variety's slow aromatic maturation combined with the mountain climate.

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 PGI-GR-A1604
• Official trade body site — Wines of Greece (EDOAO)