Wines of Greece: Attiki

Most of Attika’s terrain is mountainous, therefore blocking the winds blowing from the north, but the southern flatter part is exposed to southern winds. The sea cools temperatures in coastal areas, with the largest part of the region being among the driest and warmest areas of Greece. the thermal sum exceeds 2,300dd while annual precipitation is no more than 19 inches, of which a mere 4 inches falls during the summer months. The soil of Attiki is mainly calcareous, the result of river and lake silt deposits, and of low fertility because of its sandy loam composition and little organic matter. Savvatiano is perfectly comfortable under these conditions owing to its great resilience to drought and the manner in which it is cultivated in densely planted vineyards and in which the vines are trained into goblets.

The vineyards of Attiki (Attica), mainly in the Mesogia area, together with those of Viotia and Evia -in the valley of Chalkida and the plain of Lilantio- account for most of Greek Retsina production, traditionally from the Savvatiano and, to a lesser degree, the Roditis varieties. The area also features a number of international cultivars which are often planted in linear vineyards.