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GREECE<br />
DISCOVERY<br />
THE VINEYARDS OF Z<strong>IT</strong>SA FAN OUT OVER SLOPES FACING THE IONIAN SEA<br />
Z<strong>IT</strong>SA, A TRAD<strong>IT</strong>ION OF SPARKLING WINE<br />
We begin our journey to the Greek wine regions in Zitsa, in the region of Epirus<br />
in western Greece. Some two centuries or so ago, Lord Byron and his travelling<br />
companion John Hobhouse spent a weekend at the monastery of Prophet Elias in<br />
Zitsa. The quirky poet found the natural surroundings so enchanting that he wrote a<br />
long poem in which he mentions the vineyards of Zitsa. The setting is mountainous,<br />
with vineyard-clad slopes that enjoy views of the Ionian Sea. The sight is similar<br />
today.<br />
Here, the altitude reaches 650 to 700 metres above sea level. The vineyards of Zitsa<br />
fan out over slopes facing the Ionian Sea. The limestone origin of the soils helps to<br />
ensure good drainage and to maintain relatively high temperatures, an important<br />
aspect for these cold, mountainous areas. The continental climate with low average<br />
temperatures helps to maintain the high acidity and aromas of Debina, which is the<br />
dominant grape in the area, covering about 95% of the vineyards. It produces still<br />
and sparkling P.D.O. Zitsa wines. It is no coincidence that Zitsa is one of only three<br />
regions in Greece (the other two being Amyndeon and Rhodes) that have a tradition<br />
of sparkling wine production. Apart from Debina, the red Vlachiko and Bekari, are<br />
grown exclusively in this wine region.<br />
WINTER 2023 • GILBERT & GAILLARD - THE FRENCH EXPERTS ON WINE<br />
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