Peloponnese / Πελοπóννησος

Famous appellation in the east of island and wine-growing region of Peloponnes, south-west of the port city of Corinth in Greece. Wine has been grown and made here since ancient times, at least for the past 2.500 years. The vineyard area totals around 2.100 Hektar Rebfläche in 16 communes, the vineyards are located at an altitude of between 250 and 800 metres above sea level. The region is divided into numerous sub-regions, which lie at different altitudes and also have related different soil structures. The vineyards at an altitude of 450 to 650 metres are considered to bet he best, they have deep red soils. Apart from Nemea there ist he satellite region of Achaia (Archia), both are named after small towns. The OPAP red wine is dark and spicy, it is a varietal wine made from the indigenous variety Agiorgitiko (St. George’s vine). The wine has a pronounced sour cherry and vlackcurrant bouquet. And has a long maturation potential. Its dark colour accounts fort he nickname of „blood of Hercules“, named fort he mythical hero and demi-god who was wounded when killing the lion of Nemea. There is an increasing trend to maturing the wines in barriques. Apart from Agiorgitiko, international varieties such as Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Pinot Noir are planted, as well as indigenous varieties such as Assyrtiko, Lagorthi, Roditis, Sideritis and Volitsa. Well-known producers include Achaia Clauss, Boutari, Gaia, Kourtakis, Papaïoannou, Parparoussis, Skouras, Tsantali and Tselepos.