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Rapsani vineyards

The Rapsani vineyards extend in the southern slopes of Mount Olympus, known as the Mountain of the gods, reaching an altitude of 800 meters and descending up to the Valley of Tempe which traverses the PDO zone like the River of Peneios. The PDO zone is surrounded by the forest of Kato Olympos range (1,587m. altitude) in the north, and of Mountain Ossa (1,978m. altitude) and River Peneios. In the west, it is bordering with mountain forest, while from the east it is benefited by the impact of the Thermaic Gulf.

The main characteristics of the conditions met in the Rapsani vineyards are:

  • Southeastern exposure
  • Maximum altitude 800 meters above sea level
  • Slope: 2-20% inclination
  • Natural surroundings: forest, shrubland, riverside, vicinity to the sea
  • Climate: mainland mediterranean 

Rapsani Statistics

As shown in the graphs above, a notable temperature range is witnessed within the day, which can reach up to 10-15 degrees C differentiation between day and night. A beneficial condition during the period of August and September as it enhances phenolic ripeness and aromatic concentration of the grapes. Moreover, during the crucial summer period (June – July – August) there is just as adequate precipitation as to avoid extreme water stress of the vines.

The Rapsani Sub-Zones

Following years of working in the PDO zone together with the local vine growers and of studying the conditions, the Tsantali viticulturists team has concluded to three sub-zones. The categorization has been based primarily on the altitude, nevertheless each sub-zone demonstrates a fascinating diversity that goes beyond that. 

 

Sub-Zone A

Altitude: up to 250 meters

Exposure: depending on the location, mainly southeastern

Type: mainly single varietal fields 

Age of vines: up to 25 years

Training system: mainly royat (double sided)

Soil: sandy loam clay

Organic matter: 1.5-2.0%

 

Sub-Zone B

Altitude: 250 – 500 meters

Exposure: southeastern

Type: single varietal and blended fields

Age of vines: up to 30 years

Training system: royat (double sided) and bush vines

Soil: clay loam

Subsoil: schist-based

Organic matter: 1.0 – 1.5%

 

Sub-Zone C (less than 15 ha of the total PDO zone)

Altitude: 500+ meters

Exposure: southeastern

Type: blended fields 

Age of vines: up to 35 years

Training system: bush vines

Soil: clay loam

Subsoil: schist-based (from 60-65cm depth)

Organic matter: 1.0 %


Mt Olympus National Park
Mount Olympus had been the first National Park of Greece since 1931. The research of Mt Olympus flora started in 1836 by the French botanist Αυcher - Εlογ. According to this and later studies, the National Park of Olympus is considered one of the richest flora regions in Greece, with about 1,700 species and subspecies, that represent some 25% of Greek flora. Of them 187 are characterized as significant, 56 are Greek endemic and of them 23 are local endemic, i.e. they can be found only in Olympus, and 16 are rare in Greece or/and have there the limits of their spread within Northern Greece. Most of those found in lower altitude are the common Mediterranean and central European species. Jankaea heldreichii, a plant relic of the Ice age, is of particular interest for the botanists.
Mt Olympus fauna
Although there has not been a systematic study so far, there have been recorded 32 species of mammals (roe deer, wild boar, wildcat, red fox), 108 species of birds (some scarse), 22 species of reptiles, 8 species of amphibians and a great variety of insects, particularly butterflies, for which Olympus is famous.
World's Biosphere Reserve
Mount Olympus is a World's Biosphere Reserve, that is an an area designated by UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere (MAB) program, which demonstrates innovative approaches to living and working in harmony with nature. The goal is to achieve a sustainable balance between conserving biological diversity, promoting economic development, and maintaining associated cultural values.


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