Πεζά (Peza)

Styles

Principal grape varieties

Terroir

• Vineyard elevations in the zone range from 300 metres up to 750–800 metres.
• The mountain massifs at the centre of the island shelter the vineyards from the warm southerly winds that can cause problems in vine development.
• The cool northerly winds, unimpeded by any mountain barrier on the northern side, keep temperatures at satisfactory levels during summer, limiting heat stress and leading to a later ripening of the wine grapes.
• The climate of the area is the typical Mediterranean climate, with a mean annual temperature of 17 °C and mean annual rainfall of 650 mm.
• The soils of the area have a strongly varied relief and are characterised by a marked presence of calcium carbonate (CaCO3).

• In the wider Peza area, rock-cut and barrel-vaulted treading floors of a size unique in Crete survive in the settlements of Kounávoi (15th–16th century) and Alagni, testifying to a medieval economy founded on viticulture.
• The Peza Appellation of Origin of Superior Quality was initially established for red wines in 1971, an event that marked the opening of a new chapter in the area's winemaking history.

• The PDO Peza white wine from the Vilana variety displays a moderately deep yellow colour and moderate aromatic intensity on both the nose and the palate, with moderate acidity and alcohol.
• The PDO Peza red wine, a co-vinification of Kotsifali and Mandilaria, combines the intensely aromatic character of Kotsifali with the high acidity and deep purple colour of Mandilaria.

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-A1401
• Official trade body site — Ένωση Αγροτικών Συνεταιρισμών Πεζών — Peza Union