PDO RAPSANI

 The PDO Rapsani zone, established in 1971, is located in
the northeastern part of the regional unit of Larissa and covers mainly the
northwestern side of the Pineios valley, in the areas of Rapsani and Pyrgetos, at the
foot of Kato Olympus. A smaller part of it extends opposite, on the southeastern sideof the valley, around the traditional village of Ampelakia. Since ancient times, the
vineyards of Rapsani were planted with the three main varieties of the zone –
Xinomavro, Krasato and Stavroto – in almost equal proportions, something that
continues to a large extent today.

 The landscape is impressive: the Tempi Valley,
formed by the Pinios River, separates the southeastern extension of Olympus (the
highest mountain in Greece, 2,917 m.) from the northwestern side of Kissavos (1,978
m.). On the opposite slopes of the two mountains, the vineyards of the Rapsani PDO
spread out in a natural setting of exceptional beauty. The center of the zone is the
village of Rapsani, a beautiful settlement with a history that dates back to the 10th
century AD, when it was created as a Byzantine settlement.

 Rapsani is the southernmost of the four PDO zones that include the Xinomavro variety (the othersare: Amyntaio, Naoussa and Goumenissa). Until 2005, the only producer in the area
was the E. Tsantalis winery, which contributed significantly to keeping the zone alive.
Since then, other producers have been active, giving new life to the area.