Peloponnese / Πελοπóννησος

Located in the south of mainland Greece, the Peloponnese peninsula (Morea in modern Greek) covers around 21,000 square kilometres. The name means "island of Pelops" after a mythological figure. It is completely separated from the mainland by the narrow Corinth Canal, which was artificially created in 1893 and is over six kilometres long. The strongholds of ancient civilisation such as Epidaurus, Mistra, Mycenae, Olympia (the venue of the ancient Olympic Games) and Sparta are located here. A flourishing wine culture already existed here in ancient times.

Monemvasia

On the south-western tip lies Monemvasia, which was a famous centre for sweet dessert wines in the Middle Ages and from which the name Malvasia, used for many grape varieties and wines, is derived. In 2010, Monemvasia-Malvasia was created as the fourth POP appellation, revitalising the historic sweet wine.

Viticulture

Around a quarter of Greek wine is produced in the Peloponnese. Large quantities of table grapes and sultanas (currants) are also produced as important export products. These vineyards are mainly located along the coast of the Gulf of Corinth and the Ionian Sea. The climate varies greatly, with abundant rainfall in the west and long dry periods with little rain in the east.

The majority of production is concentrated in the north in Patras, the largest POP area with around 4,000 hectares. In the mountainous centre are the POP areas of Nemea (2,100 hectares) and Mantinia, which lie at an altitude of up to 800 metres. Well-known producers are Constantin, Gioulis, Douros, Etko, Kokkalis, Kourtakis, Lafkiotis, Mercouri, Monemvasia, Oenoforos, Papantonis, Spyropoulos, Skouras, Stavropoulos and Tetramythos.

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