HISTORY
The region has a long tradition of viticulture which starts from ancient times, as evidenced by a number of archaeological discoveries that link the area with wine and the cult of Dionysus.
The vine of Pausanias, which many believe to be the oldest vine in the world, is to be found here, while Homer characterizes Mantinia as a wine growing region, and, according to mythology, Mount Mainalo was also home to Pan.
Ancient Arcadians worshipped the god Pan to the same degree that they worshipped Dionysus. The relationship between pleasure and wine, is thus a relationship that has lasted for years in this region. Aristotle and Theophrastus also make reference to the wines of Arcadia. The wine of Mantinia was well known both during the Turkish Occupation and in the 19th century, and was consumed in Athens.
Mantinia, well known both in Greece and abroad, produces a white P.D.O. wine, of a particular character, with an easily distinguishable fine yet strong aroma and a characteristic acidity and freshness, for which the Moschofilero grape variety is responsible.
WINE COUNTRY
In the heart of the Peloponnese, in the central eastern part of Arcadia, lies the Mantinia Plateau, which has an average elevation of 660 meters. The oenological zone of Mantinia covers an area of over 1,000 hectares, of which the vast majority is planted with the Moschofilero grape variety.
The climate is characterized by rains and snow in winter, frequent showers and thunderstorms in the summer, and low temperatures, which result in the slow ripening of grapes and a late harvest, usually in mid-October.
The soil is predominantly flat sandy clay, with small hills and inclinations.
The old vines (40-50 years) are planted in cup-shapes, but the new vineyards are linear, mostly arranged in two-sided linear form, with a density of 300 to 450 plants per stremma.
GRAPE VARIETY
The core cultivation area for late season Moschofilero is the Peloponnese, and the Mantinia Plateau in particular. It is a very robust and highly productive variety. It ripens in early October, depending on location and output of the vineyard.
This type of grape, the most aromatic of the "Filerion” family, actually has a deep pinkish or grayish skin. However, it is used almost exclusively for the production of dry white and slightly sparkling wines. It has an aroma with hints of rose petal and lemon blossom. The first sip sets the mood created by its light body, acidity and spicy finish.