Geographically, the Protected Designation of Origin zone Malvasia Χάνδακας – Candia coincides with the zone ΠΟΠ Χάνδακας – Candia. It is the largest zone in the region of Heraklion and includes communities from the North to the South. This is one of the most recent PDO zones, established in 2011. It takes its name from the toponym Candia, which was used for the city of Heraklion until the 19th century.
The wines of PDO Malvasia Χάνδακας – Candia are sweet white wines made from sun-dried grapes (minimum 10% alcohol), or from sun-dried grapes that are fortified (15-22% alcohol). The grape varieties used include: Assyrtiko, Athiri, Vidiano, Thrapsathiri, Liatiko (white winemaking), Moschato Aspro (Moschato Spinas), and Malvasia di Candia Aromatica. The proportion of the varieties in the blend can vary, except for the last two, which, if included, must not exceed a total of 15%. Wines in this category must be aged for at least 24 months.