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WINEMAKER DIMITRIS<br />
PANAGIOTOPOULOS<br />
vineyard area is Trifyllia. As Dimitris Panagiotopoulos from Panagiotopoulos Wines<br />
recounts: “The relatively low altitude, the fertile soil, the mild climate, the strong<br />
sunshine and the dry and thermal conditions that prevail during the grape ripening<br />
period have determined the varietal composition of the vineyard. The white<br />
Greek varieties Roditis, Fileri and Assyrtiko and the red Mandilaria, Mavrodaphne,<br />
Fokiano, Korinthian, Agiorgitiko and Avgoustiatis were planted. Mostly, however,<br />
winegrowers turned to international grapes with Chardonnay, Ugni Blanc, Cabernet<br />
Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Grenache rouge, Merlot and Carignan covering most<br />
of the vineyards. And the wines produced are marketed under the PGI Trifyllia. The<br />
full-bodied whites, rosés with intense fruit and deep-coloured reds reflect the warm<br />
climate where they are made, often akin to the wines of the New World”. Panagiotopoulos,<br />
an oenologist himself, has been farming the vineyards surrounding his<br />
winery using organic techniques since 1982 with his viticulturist father and agronomist<br />
wife. The modern facility is a good suggestion for those travelling to the region<br />
who want to get to know the wine styles. They get the opportunity to wander through<br />
the vineyards and discover the wine region.<br />
CRETE, BLESSED FOR WINEGROWING<br />
Our last stop is Crete. Located at the southern edge of Greece, Crete is the largest<br />
and most populous of the Greek islands and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.<br />
Despite its southern location, it is ideal for viticulture, which is why one-fifth<br />
of Greek wines are produced here. The vineyards of Crete, considered as some of<br />
62 WINTER 2023 • GILBERT & GAILLARD - THE <strong>FR</strong>ENCH EXPERTS ON WINE
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