Lemnos is a relatively small and low-lying island without any tall mountains
but with many hills. Due to favorable climatic conditions, a large proportion of its vineyards are organically cultivated. About 10 years after the establishment of the sweet PDO Muscat of Lemnos wine, the important variety Muscat of Alexandria also obtained a corresponding geographical indication for dry wines.Since 2011, when it was designated as PDO, the production of red wines from the red variety Limnio, locally called Kalampaki, as well as sweet red wines from Limnio and Muscat of Alexandria, has also been permitted. The sweet wines must age for at least 24 months in oak barrels before bottling.Muscat of Alexandria is almost a monoculture on Lemnos and is traditionally used as a triple-purpose variety: for winemaking, raisin production, and as a table grape. It was introduced to Lemnos in the early 20th century by Lemnian Egyptians; initially cultivated on a small scale, it gradually expanded significantly, greatly reducing the previously dominant local variety.
The red variety Kalampaki, mentioned in ancient sources as “Lemnian vine,” was limited during the 20th century to a small dry and rocky area, from which it derives its name since “kalampaki” means rock. Its inclusion in the designation of origin is expected to increase the cultivated area (only about 500 acres today from 7,000 acres in the mid-1940s) as well as the quality of the grapes produced.
The Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) zone of Samos concerns the production of sweet wines exclusively from the Muscat of Samos variety (White Muscat). The wines are produced either from sun-dried grapes with arrested alcoholic fermentation (naturally sweet) or fortified with sun-dried grapes by increasing the alcohol content through the addition of viticultural alcohol (naturally sweet fortified). Their aromas are particularly enjoyable and rich, with intense floral notes such as rose and citrus blossom, fruity characteristics like citrus and stone fruits, and excellent aging potential, developing honey, nut, and potpourri tones.
The vineyards are located in communities throughout most of the island, on the slopes of Mount Ambelos and the foothills of Mount Kerketeas. Elevation ranges from sea level up to 900 meters. The soils are mainly schistose and gravelly, with good drainage and moderate fertility. The climate is Mediterranean, with mild winters and dry summers. The northern winds, combined with the elevation, prolong the harvest period up to and beyond late September.