Aegean islands / Αιγαια νησια

Island in the Aegean Sea, belonging to Greece, part of the Cyclades group, with a total surface area of around 200 km². Wine production flourished here in ancient times. The Roman wine writer Columella (1st century BC) in his book „De re rustica“ mentions an important level of wine exports to Rome, which were shipped from the port of Monemvasia (Peloponnes). Paros has not been invaded by phylloxera. The island was declared an OPAP appellation in 1981. As is done on the neighbouring island of Santorini, the vines are trained on top of the soil for up to 4 metres, in order to protect them from the strong winds. There are two OPAP wines. The red wine is a blend made from the varieties Mandilaria (66%) and Monemvasia (33%), the white wine is a pure varietal made from Monemvasia. The two largest producers are the Paros co-operative and Moraïtis. Wine is also grown on the neighbouring island of Antiparos