The Protected Designation of Origin zone of Plagies Melitona was established in 1982 and sets the rules for the production of dry white and red wines. It includes vineyards from the area of New Marmara on the Sithonia peninsula of Halkidiki, situated at an altitude of 100 to 350 meters.
Historically, viticulture and winemaking have been practiced in this region since ancient times, with the production of the renowned Mendai wine, famous throughout the Greek world. In more recent history, the visionary Yiannis Karras revitalized the area's viticulture, a momentum that continues today with the involvement of many other winemakers.
The climate is Mediterranean, with the influence of altitude and the sea breeze providing relief to the vines during the hot summers. The limestone soils retain sufficient moisture to support the plants in the dry vineyards during the ripening period.
It is the first zone to include international varieties (Cabernet Sauvignon & Cabernet Franc), while the exact varietal composition for the PDO Plagies Melitona wines is as follows:
White Wines: 50% Athiri, 35% Roditis, 15% Assyrtiko
Red Wines: 70% Limnio, 30% Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon