P.D.O. Rompola (O.P.A.P.) / Ρομπόλα

The Greek island (also Kefallinia, Kephallonia, Zephalonia) is the largest of the Ionian archipelago and covers over 900 km² with some side islands. The main town is Argostolion. Wine was grown here as early as Homer's time (8th century BC). In the course of its history, the island has been under the rule of the Romans, Franks, Turks, Venetians, French and English. In 1953, there was a major earthquake and almost half the population left the island. In the 1980s, phylloxera appeared here for the first time and caused major problems. At an altitude of 250 to 800 m above sea level, mainly autochthonous grape varieties are cultivated on barren, stony limestone soils. The most common is Robola, others are Thiniatiko (Mavrodaphne), Moschato Aspro (Muscat Blanc), Perahoritiko (Savatiano), Tsaoussi and Zakynthino. There are three POP appellations.

The dry white wine Robola of Kefallonia (also called Robola or Rompola for short) is made from the pure Robola variety. 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 plateau of Omala.

The white dessert wine Muscat of Kefallonia is pressed single-varietally from Moschato Aspro. It is produced as Vin doux naturel (sprit) and as 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. The sweet red wine Mavrodaphne from Kefallonia is made from pure Mavrodaphne grapes. Important producers are Calligas, Cosmetatos and Metaxa.

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