WINE-PRODUCING REGIONS | RHODES

RHODES

In Rhodes, the favorable climate and significant water reserves – among the largest in the Aegean – greatly favor viticulture. Temperatures range from warm to high, but the vineyards located at high altitudes are protected from overheating, unlike areas such as Crete or Santorini. This is reflected in the character of the island’s wines, which include fresh, delicate and balanced sparkling wines. The main vineyard zone in Rhodes extends around Mount Attavyros, at altitudes up to 800 m. (mountainous and semi-mountainous vineyards), with exposure from SE to NW. In the mountainous zone, the white variety Athiri dominates, which maintains high acidity, while the red Mandilaria (known locally as Amorgiano) is cultivated mainly in semi-mountainous and lowland areas, producing deep-colored, tannic wines. The strong influence of the southerly winds, which begin after budding, is a challenge for winegrowers, which is why the vines in mountainous and semi-mountainous zones are kept low-growing in cups. In the lowland areas, on the contrary, the plants are linear and irrigated. In addition, the cultivation of Muscat Aspros, which is used for the production of sweet wines, is important.