The wine region of Attica is in the midst of a wine renaissance that began during  the 1990s with a substantial investment in modern wine making technology, as well as a concerted effort to upgrade the vineyards. In addition, a new generation of winemakers have taken on the task of reinventing the style of Attica wines, produced there since ancient times. It is no longer a region known just for Retsina, but a newly re-emerging region, producing some of the most exciting wines of Greece and a modern, elegant style of Retsina that has changed the profile of this most traditional of Greek wines.

The prefecture of Attica is home to the iconic, ancient city of Athens, the country’s capital. The vineyards of Attica represent some of the largest in Greece and have always been the principal source of wine for the city where local consumption absorbed most of region’s wine production. It is also one of the few regions in the world where vineyards are located within the city limits. In fact, many of the vineyards are found within residential areas that peacefully coexist with the local residents.

Attica is also known for being one of the hottest and driest growing regions in Greece. Attica is a peninsula surrounded by the sea, which acts as a moderating influence on the local climate. In addition, several mountain ranges encircle the basin of Attica protecting it from extreme winter temperatures. All of these factors together make the area an ideal place to grow grapes. The foundation of Attica’s vineyard is Savatiano, a white grape variety that has undergone a transformation over the last decades under the watchful eye of a new generation of Attica winemakers. There has also been extensive work in the vineyards. This new era in Attica winemaking is producing fresh, crisp wines, excellent in depth and balance. The wines also display amazing potential for aging, often up to 10 years… an unusual attribute for a white Mediterranean variety grown in such a warm climate.

Although PGΙ Attiki (ΠΓΕ Αττική) is the most commonly used designation on a label, the broader vineyard is characterized by a large number of local PGIs. The most important of them are the Protected Geographical Indications of PGI Retsina of Attiki, PGI Markopoulo and PGI Slopes of Kithaironas (ΠΓΕ Πλαγιές Κιθαιρώνα).

The new era of Attica wines is ushering. Stay tuned…!