The demarcated area for the production of PGI Ioannina (ΠΓΕ Ιωάννινα) wines comprises all the regions of the prefecture of Ioannina in the north-eastern part of Epirus.

The characteristics
PGI Ioannina is a completely semi-mountainous or mountainous region in the western corner of Greece. Some of the highest vineyards can reach 1.000m, altitude. The climate is cooler than expectedand the weather patterns are strongly affected by the presence of the Pindos range and the altitude that these mountains provide. The rugged landscape as well as the fragmentation of the vineyards makes cultivation difficult and laborious. In areas closer to the Ionian Sea, the temperatures can be moderated. However, this doesn’t hold true for the area of Metsovo, which is located far more inland and doesn’t get any influence from the sea.

Wine types:

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

The grape varieties

Debina is a native white variety and it is the most important grape in the region. Debina is also the only indigenous variety used in the production of PDO Zitsa. There is a wide range of styles produced and among them Debina is responsible for the production of small quantities of sparkling and semi-sparkling wines that burst with energy and freshness. Cabernet Sauvignon is another important grape in the production of red wines that bear the PGI Ioannina designation. It constitutes 40% of a blend with two local red grape varieties, Vlahiko and Bekari. Rosé wines are made from at least 50% Vlahiko and Bekari. The cool climate favors the cultivation of aromatic grape varieties such as Malagousia, Sauvignon Blanc as well as Chardonnay and Roditis. These are the most important varieties in the production of white wines under the PGI Ioannina designation.

Permitted grape varieties:

White Wines
Indigenous: Debina (max 60%), Roditis, Malagousia
International: Gewürztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Chardonnay

Red Wines
Indigenous: Xinomavro, Vlahiko, Bekari,
International: Cabernet Sauvignon (min 40%), Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah

Rosé wines
At least 50% Vlahiko and Bekari and the rest from the same varieties allowed in the production of white and red wines.