Attica is located at the southeastern tip of central Greece and is surrounded by the Corinthian, Saronic and Evian Gulfs. To the north, the borders are demarcated by Mt Kitheronas, Mt Pateras and Mt Parnitha, with Mt Gerania to the west. These mountains protect the area from cold winds, while the lowland zones in the interior of the prefecture are impacted by warm southerly winds. Overall, Attica’s climate is one of the hottest and driest in Greece. Vineyards near the sea are cooled by sea breeze while those on the mountain slopes experience significantly lower temperatures owing to their altitude.
The advantageous climate of Attica has been utilized by its inhabitants since ancient times with the development of viticulture, something that is confirmed by the cult of Dionysus and the consumption of wine at symposia. In antiquity, wine was stored in jugs sealed with resin, which resulted in the accidental inception of retsina wine.
The most significant grape variety of Attica is the Savatiano grape, which produces fruity wines with moderate acidity and body. When the grapes are harvested earlier though, the wines acquire a tauter, crisp acidity.
With bottle ageing, the wines develop dry and honeyed flavours. Apart from Savatiano, which covers about 90% of the vineyard, we find the Greek varieties of Roditis, Malagouzia, Assyrtiko, Agiorgitiko, Muktaro, Limniona, Mandilaria and the international Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Retsina, which is a speciality of Attica, is a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) produced exclusively from Savatiano and Roditis. In Attica we also find a rare sweet wine that is produced from the fermentation of grape must that has partially concentrated its sugars through this fermentation process.
The Attica vineyards are divided into three sub-regions: the south-east Mesogeia, the north and north-east situated on the slopes of Mt Penteli and Mt Parnitha, and the west (including Megara and the slopes of Mt Kitherona).The PGI Attiki consists of firm white, rosé, and red wines, while the PGI Retsina of Attica refers to Retsina flavoured with pine resin, as its Greek name describes.
