Thessalia / Θεσσαλια

Region and landscape on the east coast of Greece. The regional capital is Larissa, the region covers a land area of 14.000 square kiolmetres. It is often described as the bread basket of Greece, with vast grain fields on the extensive flat plains. The climate is mild, and is influenced both by the Aegean Sea (northern part of the Mediterranean) to the east and by Mount Olympus on the border to Macedonia in the west (3000 metres high, the mythical home of the gods). The vineyard area totals 11.000 hectares, of which 7.500 hectares are planted with table grapes and 3.500 hectares with grapes for wine production. There are many indigenous varieties such as Batiki, Krassato, Mavro Messenikola, Savatiano, Stavroto, Roditis and Xynomavro. There are three OPAP appellations for dry red and white wines: Anchialos, Messenikola and Rapsani.