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
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.
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 %
