PDO RHODES (RODOS)

The main wine-growing zone in Rhodes is located in the central western part of the
island. The white variety Athiri is cultivated mainly on the slopes of the imposing
Mount Ataviros (1,216 m.), in areas such as Agios Isidoros, Embonas, Kritinia, Lakki,
Monolithos and Sianna, while smaller areas are also found in the Kameiros area,
near Apollonas. At the same time, Amorgiano —local name of Mandilaria— spreads
more widely, covering not only the Ataviros and Kameiros areas but also the
southern part of the island in the Petaloudes area. Rhodes has a long history in
viticulture and wine production, since due to its geographical location it was a
crossroads for the spread of the vine from the East to the Greek world. The fertile
soil and microclimate allow for the existence of old, autochthonous vines, especially
on the high slopes of Ataviros, where phylloxera has not managed to spread. In
addition, Rhodes has been distinguished for the production of sparkling wines, with
the traditional method dominating for decades. The style of these sparkling wines
combines the rich ripeness that the warm climate offers with an intense freshness,
while their rosé versions are considered among the best in the Mediterranean.