This is the 7th article in our Greek wine series. The Peloponnese is one of those parts of the world where wine has been made for thousands of years. The first peak of Peloponnese wine came during the Middle Ages. The second is much more recent, just after World War II. Since 1945, winemaking has developed enormously in the Peloponnese and you can now find wines of very high quality. Overall, the Peloponnese has a Mediterranean climate with wet winters and long summers. It also boasts 7 appellations d’origine contrôlée.
Wines of the Peloponnese: the Corinth region
Corinth is probably the region of Greece producing wines of such diversity. You’ll find very high quality wines on one hand, from the Nemea AOC. On the other, you’ll also find mass-produced wines of lesser quality, with vines used for purposes other than winemaking. The climate around Nemea is typical of the Peloponnese. Winters are very wet and summers very hot, with temperatures regularly above 40°C. Nemea is also divided into three zones based on altitude. The three zones yield grapes with different sugar and alcohol levels. Generally, these wines have a deep, intense color, soft and fresh aromas of forest fruit and spice, and a nice level of acidity. South of Corinth lies the Argolis area, which is very similar. Wines from this area account for 7% of production under the Nemea AOC: typical Peloponnese wines.
Arcadia: wines at the heart of the Peloponnese
Arcadia sits at the heart of the Peloponnese. Ringed by tall mountains that heavily influence the local climate, temperatures and humidity are lower than in the rest of the Peloponnese. Because of this cool climate, harvest in these vineyards is the latest in the Peloponnese and can stretch into November. In this area, more white wine is produced than red. The only protected designation of origin is north of Tripoli, at an altitude of over 600 meters (PDO Mantinia). The whites produced are generally dry.
Laconia: a difficult rebirth in the Peloponnese
Compared to other regions, Laconia’s wines are struggling to come back. While it was one of the largest wine-producing areas in the Middle Ages, the region is having a tough time developing. The number of grape varieties planted here is particularly impressive, but also creates some confusion about the type of wines made. Even so, encouraging signs are starting to appear for the wines of this Peloponnese region. For example, the creation of a new AOC for sweet wines brings positive developments.
Achaia: an impressive output
The Achaia zone, in the Peloponnese, is one of the leading areas in Greece in terms of wine volume produced. Wine is made at altitudes ranging from 250 to 850 meters. Proximity to the sea and cool northern winds are among the factors shaping the character of these wines. Inside this zone, you’ll find the Patras AOC where you can taste rich, intense wines.
Elis: recent development in this part of the Peloponnese
Wine development in this part of the Peloponnese is mainly due to growth in the Achaia zone. Family producers still operate and showcase their know-how through very interesting local wines. The area grows Refosco rouge, a clone of the Italian Refosco, which yields high quality wines with great aging potential.
