P.D.O. Nemea (O.P.A.P.) / Νεμέα

Appellation in the two districts of Corinthia and Argolida in the east of the Greek peninsula of Peloponnese, south-west of the harbour city of Corinth. Viticulture was already practised here in ancient times, at least 2,500 years ago. The vineyards cover around 2,100 hectares of vines in 16 municipalities and lie at an altitude of between 250 and 800 metres above sea level. The area is divided into numerous sub-areas, which also have different soil types due to the large difference in altitude. The best areas are those between 450 and 650 metres with red, deep soil. Based on the altitude, there are unofficially three sub-areas.

The POP red wine is made from the indigenous Agiorgitiko variety (St George's grape) and is vinified dry, medium sweet and sweet. The spicy, long-life wine has pronounced aromas of sour cherries and redcurrants. Due to its dark red colour, it is also known as the "blood of Hercules", who was wounded in the killing of the Lion of Nemea as the first of his 12 tasks. The wines are often matured in barriques.

In addition to Agiorgitiko, international varieties such as Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Pinot Noir are also cultivated, as well as indigenous varieties such as Assyrtiko, Roditis, Sideritis and Volitsa Mavri. Well-known producers include Achaia Clauss, Boutari, Gaia, Katogi Averoff, Kourtakis, Papaïoannou, Parparoussis, Semeli, Skouras, Tsantali and Tselepos.

Map: by Ulrich prokop - Greece wine egions, CC BY 3.0, Link
Vines/olives: by ulrichstill - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, Link