The PDO Mavrodaphni of Patra (ΠΟΠ Μαυροδάφνη Πατρών) wine zone (est.1971) lies in the northern-central part of Achaia district, northern Peloponnese. On the basis of the road network, the zone is divided into three sub-zones. The main and central sub-zone includes parts of Vrachneika (Achaiko, Vrachneika, Theriano, Monodendri, Tsoukaleika), Dymi (Agiovlassitika, Alissos & Kato Alissos, Ano Achaia), Larissos (Agios Nikolaos), Messatis (Agios Stefanos, Thea, Kallithea, Krini, Ovria, Petroto, Saravali), Paralia (Midilogli, Paralia, Rogitika), Farron (Platanovrissi, Halandritsa), and Olenia (Ano Soudaneika, Arla, Lousika, Mazaraki, Flokas, Fostena, Haikali). The eastern sub-zone of Rio (Agios Vassilios, Agios Georgios, Vernardeika, Kato Kastritsi, Platani) is smaller than the main one. The western sub-zone is the smallest of the three and includes parts of Dymi (Kato Achaia, Petrohori), Morvi (Krinos), and Larissos (Petas).

The Mavrodaphne variety exists in different clones in Achaia and the Ionian island of Cephalonia (where it yields PDO Mavrodaphne of Cephalonia wine). PDO Mavrodaphni of Patra naturally sweet wines (vin de liqueur) have to be aged for a period of at least one year in oak barrels of a capacity not exceeding 1,000 litres. If they have been oaked for two years and bottled for one year they can carry the indication “Reserve”. If they have been oaked for a total of seven years (minimum three in the barrel and three years in the bottle) they are entitled to the indication “Grand Reserve”. The Mavrodaphni of Patra dessert wine is the most popular Greek sweet red wine. There are 12 operating wineries producing PDO Mavrodaphni of Patra within the zone and a further 13 joint ventures outside the zone.

Varieties

Mavrodaphne (at least 51%), Corinthian Black

Wine type

• Sweet red fortified