Μεσενικόλα (Mesenikola)

Styles

Principal grape varieties

Terroir

• The Mesenikola PDO zone lies on the eastern slopes of the Agrafa mountain range, which forms part of the Pindus, the main mountain massif of the Greek peninsula.
• The climate of the area is continental, with harsh winters and cool summers owing to the altitude of the Agrafa slopes on which the vineyards are situated.
• The local climate is also influenced by the area's proximity to the mountain lake Plastira, which contributes to the formation of cool summer conditions.
• The soils of the area are sloping and the individual plots are small — characteristics that make them unsuitable for crops other than viticulture.

• In 1525, under the Treaty of Tamasio, the people of Agrafa gained autonomy from Ottoman rule and the right to cultivate their vineyards and produce wine freely.
• Tradition holds that the name of the Mavro Mesenikola variety derived from a distinguished Byzantine notable, born in France, who was known by the epithet Monsieur Nicolas and laid the foundations for systematic viticulture in the area.

• Single-varietal wines made from Mavro Mesenikola display a relatively deep colour and intense aromas of dark red and black fruits.

• The distinctiveness of the wines is linked to the south-eastern exposure of the vineyard, its proximity to forested land, the relief of the terrain, and the closeness of Lake Plastira.

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

All appellations in Greece

Sources

• National product specification (PDF) — ypaat
• eAmbrosia register (EU) — File number PDO-GR-A1253
• Official trade body site — ΕΔΟΑΟ — Εθνική Διεπαγγελματική Οργάνωση Αμπέλου & Οίνου