Mavrotragano
| Mavrotragano | |
|---|---|
| Grape (Vitis) | |
| Color of berry skin | Noir |
| Species | Vitis vinifera |
| Origin | Greece |
| Notable regions | Santorini |
| Ideal soil | Volcanic |
| Year of protection | 2009 (PGI Cyclades) |
| VIVC number | 40210 |
Mavrotragano (Greek: Μαυροτράγανο) is one of Greece's oldest red grape varieties,[1] native to the Cyclades and originally grown on the volcanic soils of Santorini.[2] Mavrotragano vines are predominantly ungrafted due to the volcanic soil's resistance to phylloxera.[2] Once nearly extinct due to its low yields and sensitivity to drought, it was revived owing to the efforts of local growers who developed special pruning and cultivation techniques.[1][3]
Traditionally used in sweet wine production, Mavrotragano has evolved into a variety capable of producing complex, dry red wines and some expressive rosés.[4] Its cultivation has spread beyond Santorini to regions like Tinos, Crete,[5] Thessaloniki, and the Peloponnese.
Mavrotragano wines are known for their deep color, firm tannins, and moderate acidity. Aromas often include ripe forest fruits, spices, coffee, and a distinct mineral note. The variety is also used in blends with grapes such as Mandilaria, Xinomavro, Syrah, and Kotsifali. It has excellent aging potential—up to 10–15 years for reds and around 3 years for rosés.
Mavrotragano wines have a Protected Geographical Indication status, under European Union's regulations on protecting the names of wines.[4]
References
- ^ a b Tsogka, Christina. "Mavrotragano in 5'". blog.botilia.gr. Retrieved 2025-03-30.
- ^ a b "Mavrotragano Wine". Wine-Searcher. 14 July 2022. Retrieved 30 March 2025.
- ^ Asimov, Eric (22 August 2019). "From Greece, Surprisingly Tannic Reds of Energy and Balance (Published 2019)". The New York Times. Retrieved 30 March 2025.
mavrotragano, an almost extinct Santorini variety that has been revived in recent years
- ^ a b Frankel, Charles (2019). Volcanoes and wine: from Pompeii to Napa. The University of Chicago Press. pp. 21, 28. ISBN 978-0-226-17736-6.
- ^ Kourtis, Modestos (11 December 2024). Μαυροτράγανο: Η ελληνική ποικιλία που αγαπούν οι Γάλλοι [Mavrotragano: The Greek variety loved by the French]. Zeitgeist (in Greek). Retrieved 30 March 2025.
Further reading
- Biniari, Katerina; Athanasopoulou, Evropi; Daskalakis, Ioannis; Xyrafis, Efstratios Guillaume; Bouza, Despoina; Stavrakaki, Maritina (2023). "Effect of foliar applications on the qualitative and quantitative characters of cv. Assyrtiko and cv. Mavrotragano in the island of Santorini, under vineyard conditions". BIO Web of Conferences. 56: 01008. doi:10.1051/bioconf/20235601008. ISSN 2117-4458.