Showing 1–30 of 32 results
The Mantinia wine region, located in the heart of the Peloponnese within the Arcadia prefecture, is one of Greece’s most celebrated PDO zones and a true benchmark for aromatic white wines. Nestled on a high plateau surrounded by mountains, it enjoys a unique terroir that sets it apart from all other wine areas in the Peloponnese. Vineyards here lie at altitudes between 600 and 800 meters, making Mantinia one of the highest wine-growing regions in the country. The climate is distinctly cool for southern Greece, with warm but never overly hot summers, crisp nights, and cold, often snowy winters. This diurnal temperature variation slows the ripening process, allowing grapes to develop intense aromatics while retaining a naturally high acidity. The soils are mainly clay-limestone mixed with sand and gravel, providing excellent drainage and forcing vines to grow deep root systems. This soil structure, combined with the cool climate, produces wines with a fine mineral backbone and great balance between freshness and flavor concentration. The star grape of Mantinia is Moschofilero, a pink-skinned variety from the Filéris family, which reaches its highest expression in this elevated landscape. Here it produces wines with delicate aromas of rose petals, citrus blossom, jasmine, and fresh herbs, alongside flavors of lemon, lime, and green apple, often accented by subtle spice notes. The naturally high acidity gives the wines vibrancy, precision, and the ability to age gracefully. While the PDO focuses almost exclusively on Moschofilero for still and sparkling wines, small quantities of other varieties—such as Assyrtiko, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc—are grown for PGI or experimental blends. Mantinia’s still wines are typically pale, light to medium-bodied, and intensely aromatic, while its sparkling Moschofilero has gained recognition for its lively effervescence, crisp citrus and floral notes, and refreshing finish, making it a perfect aperitif or partner for light dishes. What distinguishes Mantinia from other Peloponnesian regions is its cool-climate elegance and focus on perfume, delicacy, and structure rather than power and richness. The interplay between high-altitude viticulture, limestone-rich soils, and the aromatic character of Moschofilero creates a wine style found nowhere else in Greece or the world. Today, Mantinia stands as a symbol of refined Greek white wine, uniting centuries of tradition with a distinctive sense of place that continues to captivate wine lovers worldwide.