Ηράκλειο (Iraklio)

Greece · PGI · Κρήτη · 1 commune(s)

Styles

Natural factors

The altitude of the viticultural zone of Heraklion ranges from 30 metres up to approximately 1,000 metres.
The mountain massifs at the centre of the prefecture protect the vineyards from the warm southerly winds, which can cause problems in vine development.
The cool northerly winds, owing to the absence of mountain massifs on the northern side, help maintain temperatures at satisfactory levels during summer, limiting heat stress and leading to a later ripening of the wine grapes.
The climate of the area is the typical Mediterranean climate, with a mean annual temperature of 18 °C and mean annual rainfall of 440 mm.
The soils of the area display strongly varied relief and a pronounced presence of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃).

Human factors

Viticulture in the prefecture of Heraklion dates back to the Minoan period, with a characteristic example being the Minoan winepress installation of the 16th century BC at Vathypetro, Arhanes.
In 1415, Chr. Buondelmonti recorded that at least 20,000 barrels of wine of exceptional quality, produced from Malvasia cultivated in the area, were loaded annually at the port of Candia.
Dried-grape wines (straw wines) were traditionally produced in the area for many years, when winemakers, alongside dry wines, also prepared a quantity of straw wine for the meals of the great feasts of Christendom.
Approximately two decades ago, the systematic production and distribution of dried-grape wines began at the area's wineries, which combined traditional techniques with modern technology.

Facts drawn from the specification's terroir-link section by automatic interpretation — see the source.

About this boundary · approximate area

Approximate area — the union of the administrative units named in the document (Eurostat GISCO or national cadastre boundaries).