PGI Markopoulo (ΠΓΕ Μαρκόπουλο)

The PGI Markopoulo (ΠΓΕ Μαρκόπουλο) is located in the eastern part of Attiki prefecture and includes the areas of the Markopoulo Municipality. The region is just a few kilometers from the center of Athens and it is home to a great number of excellent varietal Savatiano wines. Grapes are sourced from dry-farmed and often rather old vineyards and the wines display great structure, depth of fruit, mineral elements and long aging potential.

Terroir
Markopoulo is a relatively hilly zone with complex terrain and an altitude reaching up to 350 meters. There is a rolling topography with vines on gentle slopes as well as vineyards ingreat proximity to the sea. The climate is hot Mediterranean, with lack of rainfall during the summer. The area is considered to be among the driest regions in Greece, although due to its proximity to the South Euboean Gulf, there are some beneficial sea breezes that cool down the extremes of the hot climate. The average temperature during the summer is between 25 – 30 °C and heat waves can occur during some years. During the winter season, average temperatures are between 10 – 14 °C. Soils predominantly consist of limestone with some sandy-clay and silty clay top-layers.

History
Markopoulo possesses a long-standing winemaking history. This is evidenced from references in ancient scripts from the 4th and 5th century BC. Further proof is the existence of the altar of Dionysus, inside the Temple of Artemis in Vravrona. This is the place where the rural “Dionysia Festivals” were celebrated, one of the most important festivities dedicated to the god.

The Varieties
The Savatiano grape variety dominates the vineyards. The PGI Markopoulo is only reserved for the production of dry white wines. Although most of the wines are varietal Savatianos, there are also other options such as monovarietals or blends with Assyrtiko, Athiri, Roditis, Malagousia and Aidani.