Thrace / Θρακη

In ancient Greek times, the term Thracia referred to the entire Balkan peninsula, excluding the Peloponnes, in later times it referred only to the eastern section of this region, south of the Danube river. Homer (8th century BC) already praised the Thracian wines, and Odysseus used it to conquer the one-eyed cyclope Polyphem. Today the area is split among Bulgaria, Greece (8.500 km²) and Turkey (23.600km²). The region of Thráki lies in the north-east of Greece, bordering on Bulgaria in the north and on Turkey in the east. As is the case in the region of Macedonia, which borders on it in the west, mainly red wines are made here, particularly from the Xynomavro grape, however there are no wines classified as OPAP or OPE. The Bulgarian region and wine-growing area of Thracia is also famous for its rose plantations. Here, rose oil is produced, which is in great demand worldwide, as well as red wine. A long time ago, wine flavoured with rose oil was extremely popular.