The demarcated area for the production of PGI Drama (ΠΓΕ Δράμα) wines comprises the entire prefecture of Drama in the north-eastern tip of Macedonia.

The characteristics
The winegrowing area of Drama is inland and it is one of the few wine-growing regions in Greece that does not border the sea. The vineyards extend at an altitude ranging from 80 to 1,000 meters, with most of them located between 200-400m. The Mediterranean climate is moderated by the region’s more inland position and the higher elevation that the three surrounding mountains, Falakro, Menoikio and Pangeon, provide. As a result, the northern part of the region, due to its higher elevation, is cooler with a greater continental influence.

Wine types:

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

The grape varieties

The area had no wine making tradition until the late 70s and its first wave of plantings was based on the Bordeaux-family of grapes. In recent years, producers are more interested in making wines in which native grapes can shine. Plantings of Greek varieties such as Assyrtiko, Malagousia, Limnion and Agiorgitiko are constantly on the rise. These are used in monovarietals or blends with international grape varieties. The Sauvignon Blanc-Assyrtiko blend is one of the most commercially successful blends in the PGI Drama.

Permitted grape varieties:

White Wines
Indigenous: Assyrtiko, Roditis, Malagousia, Robola, Muscat of Alexandria
International: Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Viognier, Semillon, Ugni Blanc.

Red Wines
Indigenous: Agiorgitiko, Limnio
International: Nebbiolo, Refosco, Tempranillo, Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah.

Rosé wines
Indigenous: Roditis, Agiorgitiko, Limnio
International: Grenache Rouge, Nebbiolo, Refosco, Tempranillo, Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah.