Thessaly
Thessalia
In Thessalia, there are 3 areas producing V.Q.P.R.D. (Rapsani, Anhialos, Messenikola) and 5 areas producing Regional Wines ( of Thessalia, Krania, Krania, Meteora and Tirnavos).
Most of these vineyards have a southeast exposure to the sun and their altitude ranges between 100 and 700 metres. The combination of Mt Olympus and the Aegean Sea creates a unique micro climate that favours the proper maturation of the vines.
This is another area, which lies in the lowlands around the town of Karditsa and the villages of Agrafa, at an altitude of 250-600 metres. Here, we can find the red V.Q.P.R.D. Mavro Messenikola, produced from the blending of the local grape variety Messenikola with Carignan and Syrah. It is the most recent Greek Appellation of Origin.
Krania
On the east slopes of Mt Olympus, in the traditional settlement of Krania, the subsoil is excellent and the micro climate superb. Rainfalls are seldom and the summer is quite fresh, full of morning breezes from the Aegean Sea and afternoon, mountain winds. All the above, which are favourable to viticulture, lead to the cultivation of select French grape varieties like Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, which produce the white and red Regional Wine of Krania.
Tirnavos
The greatest part of the vineyards of Thessalia, though, lies in Tirnavos. In these lowlands, with the northeast exposure to the sun, the grape varieties cultivated are Savatiano, Roditis, Batiki and Muscat of Hamburg, which produce the Regional Wine of Thessaly and the Regional Wine of Tirnavos.