PGI Imathia (ΠΓΕ Ημαθία)

Imathia prefecture is situated in the northern part of Greece (Central Macedonia) and the PGI Imathia (ΠΓΕ Ημαθία) includes the whole prefecture with vineyards at an altitude of more than 80 meters above sea-level.

The characteristics
The soils, altitudes and exposures are extremely varied even at a single-vineyard level. Mount Vermio is catalytic in the region’s climate. On the whole, the climate is Mediterranean with moderately continental influences. The area’s topography is complex, and most of the vineyards extend at an altitude of 80 to 350 meters above sea level.

Wine types:

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

The grape varieties
Xinomavro, which is also exclusively used for the PDO Naoussa, has a leading role in the PGI Imathia. Rosé and white vinifications of Xinomavro (which are not allowed to bear the PDO Naoussa designation) are usually labelled as PGI Imathia. Among international grapes, Merlot and Syrah are quite popular and are used either in varietal bottlings or most commonly in blends with Xinomavro. The white Preknadi rare varietal bottlings usually bear the PGI Imathia indication in the label.

Permitted grape varieties:

White Wines
Indigenous: Xinomavro, Athiri, Malagousia, Roditis, Preknadi, Assyrtiko
International: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc.

Red Wines
Indigenous: Xinomavro
International: Merlot, Syrah

Rosé wines
Indigenous: Roditis, Xinomavro
International: Merlot, Syrah