Μονεμβασία- Malvasia (Monemvasia - Malvasia)

Styles

Principal grape varieties

Terroir

• The reference area is geomorphologically constituted by the Malea Peninsula, the natural extension of the Parnon (Malevo) mountain range, with elevations ranging from 0 to 500 metres.
• The area displays strongly varied relief with alternating limestone and schist formations, while the soils are generally classified as sandy-clay and clay-loam.
• The area exhibits soil diversity, with sections bearing acidic soils of minimal organic matter and no calcium carbonate, yielding wines with high acidity.
• The area has strong aeolian potential and is directly exposed to winds from all directions owing to its geographical position, and is also distinguished by particularly high sunshine hours.
• The mean annual maximum temperature in the area is 23 °C and the minimum is 14 °C, with total annual rainfall ranging from 400 to 470 millimetres.

• The wine of Monemvasia takes its name from its production area or export harbour, Monemvasia, which appears in Italian sources from the 12th century onwards as Malvasia.
• According to a golden bull (chrysobull) issued by Andronikos II Palaiologos for the metropolis of Monemvasia in 1301, ecclesiastical estates with their revenue-bearing vineyards appear to have held a substantial share in the production of the celebrated Monemvasia wine.

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-A1533
• Official trade body site — Monemvasia Winery (Tsimbidi)