Kydonitsa grape

Area grown: Lakonia, Peleponnese

History: Kydonitsa was widely grown in ancient and Byzantime times. From 1460 until 1828, this part of Greece was ruled by the Turks, under Ottoman rule alcohol consumption came to a sudden halt. Kydonitsa was recently discovered in old vineyards and cultivated systematically by local viticulturists. The results of this work are now beginning to show.

Grapes: White, grow in relatively loose elongated bunches. They are medium-sized and turn golden yellow when ripe, harvest takes place around mid September. The must is usually fermented at a low temperature of 15 degrees Celcius.

Nose/bouquet: Quince, pear, lemon

(Courtesy Elloinos)