📍 Thessaly

Thessaly is a region of central Greece: the Thessalian plain ringed by the mountains of Olympus, Pindus, Ossa and Pelion. For wine, the whole region is the regional PGI “Θεσσαλία” (since 2004), and within it lie three PDOs: Rapsani, Anchialos and Mesenikola.

Half of the territory is mountains and foothills, half is plain. The climate is continental: cold winters, hot summers and large seasonal swings; the vineyards of Magnesia are tempered by winds from the Pagasetic Gulf. The soils are clay-loam and moderately alkaline. As early as the XIX century the wines of Rapsani, Ambelakia, Mesenikola and Tyrnavos were renowned.

Rapsani (PDO since 1981) lies on the south-eastern slopes of Olympus at up to 800 m: only dry red from a combination of Xinomavro, Krasato and Stavroto, with no set proportions. Oak is compulsory only for Réserve (2 years, 12 months of them in barrel) and Grande Réserve (4 years). Anchialos (PDO since 1982) near Volos covers about 400 ha on the coast, with white wines from Roditis and Savatiano. Mesenikola, near Lake Plastiras, makes red wines.

There are also seven local PGIs: Tyrnavos, Krania, Krannon, Meteora, Magnesia, Karditsa and Elassona. The main varieties of PGI “Θεσσαλία” are Savatiano, Roditis, Xinomavro, Cabernet Sauvignon and Assyrtiko; the local Limniona is also permitted.

Why it matters to you. The label “Θεσσαλία” means regional wine from the whole region, while Rapsani or Anchialos means stricter rules and a specific place. If you are looking for oak-aged wine, check a Rapsani for the Réserve or Grande Réserve mark.