P.D.O. Rompola (O.P.A.P.) / Ρομπόλα

The Greek island (also Kefallinia, Kephallonia, Zephalonia) covers an area of over 900 square kilometres and is the largest of the Ionian archipelago. The main town is Argostolion. Wine was already being grown here in Homer's time (8th century BC). Throughout its history, the island has been ruled by the Romans, Franks, Turks, Venetians, French and English. In 1953 there was a severe earthquake and almost half of the population left the island. In the 1980s, phylloxera appeared here for the first time and caused major problems.

Vineyards and grape varieties

The vineyards lie between 250 and 800 metres above sea level. Predominantly autochthonous grape varieties are cultivated on barren, stony limestone soils. The most common variety is Robola, others are Thiniatiko (Mavrodaphne), Moschato Aspro (Muscat Blanc), Perahoritiko (Savatiano), Tsaoussi and Zakynthino. There are three POP appellations.

Robola from Kefallonia

The dry white wine Robola of Kefallonia (also known as Robola or Rompola for short) is made from a single variety of Robola grapes. This is the only Greek appellation named after a grape variety. The vineyards cover around 180 hectares of vines and are located in the southern part of the island, on the Omala plateau.

Muscat from Kefallonia

The white dessert wine Muscat of Kefallonia is made from pure Moschato Aspro grapes. It is produced as vin doux naturel (fortified) and vin naturellement doux. If the grapes come from particularly old vineyards with low yields, the designation Vin Doux Grand Cru may be used on the label.

Mavrodaphne from Kefallonia

The sweet red wine Mavrodaphne from Kefallonia is made from a single variety of Mavrodaphne.

Producers

Important producers are Calligas, Cosmetatos and Metaxa.

Map of Greece: By Pitichinaccio - own work, CC BY 3.0, Link
edited by Norbert F. J. Tischelmayer 2/2018