Lasithi is located in the eastern part of Crete and the demarcated area for the production of PGI Lasithi (ΠΓΕ Λασίθι) wines covers the entire prefecture. The vineyards lie at an altitude of more than 30 meters above sea level.

The characteristics

The region’s landscape is characterized by the imposing presence of Diktis mountain range (or Lasithiotika Ori). The prefecture is surrounded by three seas: Kritiko Pelagos (high-sea) is to the north, the Libyan sea is to the south and the Carpathian Sea to the east. The climate, although Mediterranean, is very much influenced by the mountains and the proximity to these bodies of water. The sea moderates temperatures and delays the ripening of the grapes. In the mountainous inland valleys, the vineyards are also cooled-down due to the altitude that can reach 600-700m. above sea level. Many of the vineyards lie along the northeastern part of the region, in the high-altitude plateau of Ziros, 25 km south of Sitia. Recently, there are increased plantings in the southern part of the region.

Wine types:

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

The grape varieties
The vineyard landscape is dominated by indigenous varieties, particularly grapes such as the whites Vilana and Thrapsathiri or the reds Liatiko and Mandilaria. These grapes are used to produce single-varietal wines or consist a very important component in various blends. PGI Lasithi has a limited range of international varieties, however these are grown to produce blends or varietal wines, bearing the PGI designation in the labels.

Permitted grape varieties:

White Wines
Indigenous: Athiri, Assyrtiko, Vilana, Thrapsathiri, White Muscat, Plyto
Indigenous: Chardonnay, Ugni Blanc, Viognier.

Red Wines
Indigenous: Kotsifali, Ladikino, Liatiko, Mandilaria
Indigenous: Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, Grenache Rouge, Merlot, Syrah.

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