Greek Grapes

Mavro (Black) Messenikola

Messenikola is an indigenous black grape from Messenikola in Thessaly. It is named after Monsieur Nicola, a Venetian official who planted vineyards there during the Ottoman period.

The grape is primarily used to produce dry red wines. In the Messenikola PDO, established in 1989, minimum 70% Messenikola is blended with up to 30% Syrah and Carignan (Mazuelo).

Thessaly Wines

Thessaly wines range from full bodied reds from Xinomavro and Messenikola grapes, to aromatic and fresh whites from Roditis grapes.

Thessaly is also known for high-quality red wines from the Limniona grape.

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Thessaly PDO Regions

Thessaly (Central Greece) has 3 PDO regions:

PDO Anchialos (1971)
PDO Messenikola (1994)
PDO Rapsani (1971)

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PDO Anchialos (ΠΟΠ Αγχίαλος)

PDO requirements:

Dry White from min 80% Roditis + Savatiano.

Medium Dry White from min 80% Roditis + Savatiano.

Medium Sweet White from min 80% Roditis + Savatiano.

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PDO Mesenikola (ΠΟΠ Μεσενικόλα)

PDO requirements:

Dry Red from min 70% Messenikola
and max 30% Carignan + Syrah.

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PDO Rapsani (ΠΟΠ Ραψάνη)

PDO Rapsani is one of the 4 PDO zones for Xinomavro.

PDO requirements:

Dry Red from Xinomavro, Krassato and Stavroto.