Λακωνία (Lakonia)

Styles

Principal grape varieties

Terroir

• Terrain ranging from 70 to 500 m in elevation, bounded by the Taygetos massif to the west and the Parnon massif to the east.
• Soils of clay-limestone composition, characteristic of the winegrowing area.
• The Taygetos acts as a wind barrier, limiting westerly rainfall and ensuring dry summers.
• A southern exposure toward the Laconian Gulf brings mild winters through southerly winds.
• North-easterly winds from Parnon ensure cool summers in the valley.

• Viticulture in Laconia is documented from Mycenaean times, attested by a vine-leaf impression on a clay seal from the Menelaion.
• From the 10th century onwards, the wine of Monemvasia gained commercial importance; by 1214 it was being blended 'in abundance' in Constantinople.

• The interplay of clay and limestone soils, microclimate, grape variety composition, and winemaking practices together define the distinctive character of the Laconia PGI wines.

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-A1528
• Official trade body site — Wines of Greece (EDOAO)