Zitsa Wines
Zitsa, located in the mountainous Epirus region of north-western Greece, is the only appellation in the country dedicated exclusively to sparkling white wines. The region's continental climate and high altitude make it one of the coolest wine regions in Greece, with the native Debina grape variety being the primary grape grown here. This grape is well suited to the growing conditions and sparkling winemaking due to its high acidity and delicate aromatics. While Debina is the only officially permitted grape in Zitsa, blended red wines made from Bekari and Vlachiko grapes are also associated with the area, often produced in a sparkling rosé style or blended with Cabernet Sauvignon to create dry, full-bodied table wines.
The vineyards of Zitsa, centered around the small town of the same name, are situated within the Pindus mountain range, about 50 kilometers from the Ionian coast. The terrain is characterized by numerous hills, mountains, and valleys, with vineyards typically positioned on steep, south and east facing slopes with free-draining limestone soils. The climate is more continental compared to the rest of Greece, with some maritime influence from the Ionian Sea. Altitudes can reach up to 700m (2300ft) above sea level, contributing to cooler evenings and the slow ripening of Debina grapes, which retain their acidity – a crucial component in the production of sparkling wines.
