Nemea (wine-growing region)

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Nemea (Νεμέα) OPAP is a Greek wine-growing region located in the northeastern Peloponnese . In Greece , alongside Naoussa, it is considered the most important appellation for high-quality red wines . In the center of the area southwest of the port city of Corinth is the small town of Nemea . From Nemea, the hiking trails "Paths of Wine" ( Greek: Δρόμοι του Κρασιού ) lead into the vineyards. Wines from the region carry the red band of an OPAP (Onomasia proléfseos anoteras piótitos (Greek Ονομασία προελευσέως ανωτέρας ποιότητος)), the highest Greek quality level. The hilly area, which rises up to low mountain ranges, is well protected from the sharp Meltemi winds from the north by the Kyllini mountain range . The climate is dry in summer and very hot. Water shortages, especially in spring, can be just as problematic as autumn rains that set in too early. In 2002, which was at times very difficult for many wine-growing regions, no OPAP wines could be pressed in Nemea.

light red: OPAP Nemea
Wine and olive grove, Nemea region, Peloponnese . Biodiversity is possible

For OPAP wines only those authorized, the varietal from the grape variety Agiorgitiko are pressed whose name is derived from Agios Georgios, the former name Nemeas. Mainly dry red wines are produced, but semi-sweet and sweet wines can also carry the OPAP banderole. The good and excellent qualities are aged in French oak barrels, in which they mature for at least a year. Within the appellation, around 2000 hectares are planted with agiorgitiko, from which the appellation wines can be pressed, provided that they comply with the appellation statutes with regard to hectare yield and minimum sugar weight (see must weight ). The harvest in the lower areas begins in the last third of September and does not end in the higher areas and the best locations until the end of October.

The wine-growing region, divided into three subzones according to the altitude, is spread over 16 villages. The lowest layers from the valley floor at around 250 meters up to an altitude of 450 meters have the most fertile soils and the hottest microclimates. The wines are heavy, tannic and often reach 14 or more percent by volume . Most of the region's sweet and semi-sweet wines come from these locations. The next altitude level extends to around 650 meters. The wines from these locations correspond to the modern Nemea type. They are slightly lower in alcohol and less intense in color, more fruity, have more acidity and less tannin. The last altitude level extends to around 900 meters. The best locations are on the Asprokambos plateau. While in the past mainly fresh, acidic rosé wines came from this region, premium Nemeas are now also made, which are marketed under the special Progefsi Nemeas label. A site classification according to the French cru system has recently been considered.

In addition to the single-variety Nemeas, most wineries produce various cuvées from different autochthonous and international vines, often with very good qualities. Small plots are also planted with white grape varieties, especially Savatiano , Roditis , Moschofilero , and occasionally with Assyrtiko and various international vines , especially in the higher elevations . The wines obtained from them often achieve very attractive table wine qualities and should not be completely overlooked. Some wineries also produce small quantities of retsina , some of which prove that the terms retsina and quality wine do not necessarily have to contradict one another. The Katogi Strofilia winery has also been active in the region since the 1990s .

literature

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ Lazerakis (2005) p. 301
  2. ↑ Lazerakis (2005) p. 303
  3. ↑ Lazerakis (2005) pp. 301-302
  4. ↑ Lazerakis (2005) p. 310

Coordinates: 37 ° 49 ′ 16.8 ″  N , 22 ° 39 ′ 39.6 ″  E