PDO Zitsa In the central-western part of the regional unit of Ioannina is the plateau of Zitsa, at an average altitude of approximately 650 meters. The area is surrounded by mountains and hills to the north, east and south, while to the west it descends to the river Thyamis (also known as Kalama). The PDO Zitsa zone, established in 1972, occupies areas within the areas of Zitsa (Zitsa, Karitsa, Protopappas), Ekali (Gavrisioi, Ligopsa) and Evrymenes (Klimatia). Almost all the vineyards in the area are fenced, as the local fauna – mainly wild boars – destroy the grapes of the Debina variety, which they consider extremely delicious.

 The region’s tradition of making sparkling wine has deep roots. In the past, the first phase of alcoholic fermentation was interrupted due to low winter temperatures. In the spring, when fermentation restarted, the containers were sealed, naturally trapping carbon dioxide – leading to natural effervescence. Modern winemaking has taken advantage of this tradition, today producing white sparkling wines PDO Zitsa, based on the same variety and more sophisticated techniques.