Papagiannakos

Papagiannakos Winery in Markopoulos is in the Mesogeia region of Attica and the first bioclimatic winery in Greece. 100% of the vinification uses the Savatiano variety. The winemaker combines centuries of traditional knowledge and modern vinification methods to produce excellent results. The vineyard also grows another white grape variety, Malagousia, and for reds Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot varieties.

Markou

Markou Vineyards is a small family winery, which for 150 years has produced high quality wines from the local traditional vineyard zone of Attica and the Peloponnese Agioritiko wine of Nemea.

Grapes

Savatiano is a white Greek wine grape used primarily in the wine Retsina. It is one of Greece's most widely planted grape varieties particularly in Attica. Some non native grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay are also grown here, particularly in the mountainous north of the region where it is cooler at higher temperatures Kokkineli wine is the rosé wine made from Roditis grapes.

Terroir

Most of Attica’s terrain is mountainous with sand and gravel soil, which provides good drainage, protecting the vineyards from the winds blowing from the north. The southern flatter part is exposed to southern winds. Attika has a hot, dry Mediterranean climate with summer precipitation of only 4 inches so the grapes ripen quickly, and retaining acidity can be an issue. The sea cools temperatures in coastal areas, with the largest part of the region being among the driest and warmest areas of Greece The Savatiano grape does well in this climate as it is resistant to drought.

History

Greek wines would travel across the then known world in Attican amphorae and archaeological finds illustrate the wine history and tradition of the region. Resin-enriched Retsina wine has been produced for 4,000 years. Its unique taste is owed to the traditional method of sealing the clay amphorae with pine resin in ancient Greece to preserve the wine. Over time the winegrowers would continue to enrich the wine by adding the Resin to the Must in order to flavour the wine as well as preserve it better. Most vineyards are located on the eastern side of Attica.

Attica Wine Adventures

Nemea is west of Athens and the largest producer of high-quality red wines in Greece based on oak-aged Nemea-Agiorgitiko grapes. The mountainous and semi-mountainous terroirs are the most common in Greece combined with the hot and dry climate, are best adapted for Nemea wines. The heavier reds pair well with grilled meats and the lighter, medium-bodied styles pair well with casserole, stews, pasta and cheeses.  There are three cultural sites of interest, the archeological site of Mycenae, the Theatre of Asklepios at Epidaurus.

Multi Region Journeys