Epirus / Ηπειρος

Appellation in the Epirus wine-growing region in Greece, located on the border with Albania. It is named after the town of the same name located around 30 kilometres northwest of Ioannina. The vineyard area totals around 400 hectares, located in the communes of Gavrisii, Karitsa, Klimatia, Ligopsa, Protopappa as well as Zitsa, at an alttitude of 600 to 700 metres. Soils are poor and rich in limestone. Wine has been grown here since the 18th century. Grape varieties planted include Agiorgitiko, Assyrtico, Bekari, Debina, Chardonnay, Liatiko, Merlot, Roditis, Sauvignon Blanc, Vlachiko and Xynomavro. The indigenous variety Debina is used to produce the OPAP white wine, which is typically fresh and acidy, and has an aroma of apples. This is available in various versions, from dry to sweet. In addition, rosé sparkling wines are made from Debina as well as from the indigenous red varieties Bekari, Vlachiko and Xynomavro, which however are not classified as OPAP. The main producers are a local co-operative as well as Monastiri Zitsa. A major wine festival takes place each year in the last ten days of August.