Μεταξάτων (Metaxaton)

Styles

Principal grape varieties

Terroir

• Rolling terrain and gentle slopes in close proximity to the sea define the relief of the zone.
• A distinctive microclimate of high relative humidity sets the zone apart from other wine-growing areas.
• The soils are calcareous in composition, with marls — two characteristic geological formations.
• Metaxata (Monastiria area) stands out as the principal place name of production within the PGI.
• Historic production centres: Thinaia, Paliki, and Livathoo — the three traditional vine-growing zones of the island.

• During the Venetian period, Mavrodaphne was prized for its ability to withstand long journeys, forming part of a distinctive trading monopoly.
• In 1858, Dr Nik. Piniatoris founded a Wine-Making Company for Mavrodaphne; in 1872 it passed to an English wholesale merchant.

• The wine is described as 'aromatic', with a 'very deep red colour' of such intensity that 'a few drops strongly stain a glass of white wine'.
• The wine showed remarkable durability during lengthy transport, a quality that made it especially sought-after during the Venetian period.

• The calcareous soils with marls and the distinctive high-humidity microclimate together shape the character of the PGI Metaxata 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-A1019
• Official trade body site — Wines of Greece (EDOAO)