The PGI Achaia (ΠΓΕ Αχαΐα) encompasses the entire prefecture of Achaia that lies along the northwest coast of Peloponnese. The vineyards should rise from 20m above sea level and above.

The characteristics
Achaia is a varied and important production center of the Peloponnese. The winegrowing area lies on a strip of land between the Ionian Sea to the west and the Patraic and Corinthian Gulfs to the north. Topographically, Achaia is a very mountainous area, especially in its eastern part. Achaia has a Mediterranean climate with cool influences due to the proximity to the sea and the altitude. The latter results in marked diurnal temperature swings. A number of small rivers traverse the region in their way from the mountains to the Corinthian Gulf, forming gorges as they cut through the mountains. As a result, the topography is very wild and this provide a number of different expositions, soils and altitudes for the grapes to grow. The western part of the prefecture is less mountainous with gentler topography, especially if compared to the region of Aigialia.

Types of wines:

• White dry, semi-dry, semi-sweet, sweet
• Rosé dry, semi-dry
• Red dry, semi-dry, semi-sweet, sweet
• White semi-sparkling semi-sweet
• Rosé semi-sparkling semi-sweet

The varieties

The pink-skinned Roditis, which is also used exclusively in the production of wines that bear the PDO Patra designation, is very important in the production of PGI Achaia wines. However, Achaia is home to a number or very rare – yet emerging – native grapes such as the white Lagorthi, the pink-skinned Sideritis and the red Mavro Kalavritino (Black of Kalavrita). The plethora of indigenous grape varieties is a major advantage for local producers, who are eagerly explore them and are able to offer unique and distinctive wines that cannot be replicated elsewhere. Excellent wines are also produced from other Greek varieties such as the whites Assyrtiko and Malagousia grapes. International varieties were introduced in the PGI Achaia and have adapted extremely well in the soils and the climatic conditions of the region.

Permitted grape Varieties:

White Wines:
Indigenous: Athiri, Assyrtiko, Malagousia, White Muscat, Lagorthi, Roditis, Robola, Sideritis
International: Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Ugni Blanc.

Red Wines:
Indigenous: Black of Kalavrita, Mavrodaphni
International: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Grenache Rouge, Merlot, Syrah

Rosé wines:
Indigenous: Roditis, Black of Kalavrita, Mavrodaphni
International: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Sideritis, Merlot, Syrah.