The demarcated area for the production of PGI Chania (ΠΓΕ Χανιά) wines covers the entire Chania prefecture. Vineyards must be planted at an altitude of more than 30 meters above sea level.

The characteristics

PGI Chania is the westernmost viticultural zone of Crete. The climate is warm Mediterranean, with the sea breezes (meltemia) cooling down the vineyards during the summer months. The mountain range of Lefka Ori attracts the clouds that travel from west to east and this results in slightly cooler climatic conditions, compared to other parts of Crete. The vineyards usually extend on slopes and plateaus with northern exposure, while, in some cases, the altitude can exceed 800 meters. However the main wine-growing zone is located at an altitude between 200 and 500 meters west of the city of Chania.

Wine types:

• White dry, semi-dry, semi-sweet, sweet, sweet from dried grapes, sweet fortified
• Rosé dry, semi-dry, semi-sweet, sweet, sweet from dried grapes
• Red dry, semi-dry, semi-sweet, sweet, sweet from dried grapes, sweet fortified
• White semi-sparkling dry, semi-dry, semi-sweet

The grape varieties

The local red grape variety Romeiko occupies a large part of the PGI Chania zone. Other important red grape varieties are the native Kotsifali and Mandilaria (Mandilari) as well as the international Syrah and Grenache Rouge grapes. In regards to white grape varieties, Vilana, Thrapsathiri and Moschato Aspro (or Muscat of Spina) are considered to be important for the production of PGI Chania.

Permitted grape varieties:

White Wines
Indigenous: Athiri, Vilana, Thrapsathiri, Moschato Aspro
International: Maccabeu, Ugni Blanc

Red Wines
Indigenous: Kotsifali, Mandilaria, Romeiko, Tsardana, Fokiano
International: Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, Grenache Rouge, Syrah

Rosé wines
All grape varieties permitted in white and red wine production, are allowed.