Μακεδονία (Makedonia)

Greece · PGI · Μακεδονία · 1100 commune(s)

Styles

Natural factors

The total area of Macedonia is divided into 34.7% lowland, 25.9% semi-mountainous and 39.4% mountainous terrain, with the western part being the most mountainous, featuring plateaus between the mountain ranges.
Forests cover more than 25% of the surface area of Macedonia, while the region also has many large and fertile plains.
On the coast of Macedonia the climate is mild with Mediterranean characteristics, while inland, where it is shielded from the influence of the Aegean by large mountains, the climate becomes continental.
Wines from sun-dried grapes are produced in areas with generally stony soils of medium to heavy texture, mainly alkaline, at an altitude above 680 metres and with southern exposure.
In the areas producing wine from sun-dried grapes the climate is mild, with warm summers moderated by altitude and the prevailing north winds.

Human factors

Philippi in eastern Macedonia is considered the first viticultural area in Greece, dating back to as early as 2800-2200 BC.
Macedonian wine has been recognised as a wine of Designation of Origin since 1932, by a relevant Joint Ministerial Decision published in the Government Gazette 87/B/20.9.1932.
To produce the sun-dried-grape wine, the grapes are spread out on large trays (liastres) in a covered space protected from rain but exposed to the winds, for a period that can last up to three months, traditionally from October to January.

Product characteristics

Wines from sun-dried grapes are described as intensely aromatic, with a complex structure reminiscent of dried and sweet fruits.
Wines from sun-dried grapes show a balance of sugars, alcohol, acidity and polyphenols, which gives them length, a distinctive finish and ageing potential.

Terroir / wine link

The region's high, prolonged temperatures and abundant sunshine, even after the grapes' normal ripening period has ended, allow sugars to accumulate in the grapes, giving them the appropriate alcohol level.

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).