Μαυροδάφνη Κεφαλληνίας (Mavrodafni Kefallinias)

Styles

Principal grape varieties

Terroir

• The area is characterised by a distinctive microclimate with high relative humidity, which shapes the growing conditions of the vineyards.
• The soils are calcareous in composition, while marls appear at many points across Paliki, lending the area its particular character.
• The vineyards are mainly semi-mountainous, non-irrigated, and situated in close proximity to the sea.

• During the Venetian period, Mavrodaphne was held in particularly high regard for its durability during transport and formed part of an unusual monopoly arrangement.
• In April 1858, Dr. Nik. Piniatoros founded a Wine-Making Company, which was purchased in 1872 by the English merchant Ernest Toul and redirected its focus towards foreign markets.

• Mavrodafni Kefallinias is described as 'an aromatic wine of the deepest red colour', with a colouring intensity such that 'a few drops of it strongly discolour a glass of white wine'.
• Mavrodaphne vineyards, sourced from semi-mountainous, non-irrigated sites close to the sea with relatively low yields, develop markedly distinctive aromatic and flavour characteristics.

• The calcareous soils with marls in Paliki contribute to shaping the area's distinctive microclimate of high relative humidity.

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-A1055
• Official trade body site — Kefalonia Winemakers Association