Heraklion wines awarded at the Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge

Heraklion is a protected geographical indication recognised in 1989, whose zone corresponds to the regional unit of the same name, in the central-eastern part of Crete, on the island's northern side. Vines must be planted above 30 metres in altitude. The zone encloses three more restrictive protected designations of origin, Peza, Archanes and Dafnes, which makes it Crete's main winegrowing area. The specifications authorise a wide range of grape varieties: in white, Athiri, Vilana, Vidiano, Dafni, Thrapsathiri, Muscat Blanc, Plyto, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Sylvaner; in red, Kotsifali, Kotsifoliatiko, Liatiko, Ladikino, Mandilaria, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, Merlot, Mourvèdre and Syrah. This openness to international varieties, alongside indigenous ones, sets the appellation apart from the protected designations of origin attached to it, which are more strictly limited to local grapes.

Grape varieties: Kotsifali, mandelaria