Greek Grapes
Mavro Messenikola
(Black Messenikola)
Messenikola is an indigenous black grape from Messenikola in Thessaly.
About Mavro Messenikola
Mavro Messenikola is named after Monsieur Nicola, a Venetian official who planted vineyards there during the Ottoman period.
The grape is primarily used to produce dry red wines. In the Messenikola PDO, established in 1989, minimum 70% Messenikola is blended with up to 30% Syrah and Carignan (Mazuelo).
Messenikola Flavors
The aroma is full of freshness with the red fruits dominating, followed by floral notes reminiscent of violet and discreet hints of vanilla.
 Strawberry |
 Cherry |
 Violets |
 Herbs |
Flavors from Maturation and Aging
 Oak |
 Vanilla |
 Spices |
 Chocolate |
Messenikola Profile
In the mouth it is of medium weight with gentle tannins, balanced acidity and fruity aftertaste.
| SUGAR: | Dry (3 g/l) |
| BODY: | Medium - Full |
| TANNINS: | Medium |
| FRUIT: | Medium - High |
| ACIDITY: | Medium |
| ALCOHOL: | 14% ABV |
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Serving temperatures: 16-17°C (61-63°F) |
Messenikola Food Pairing
Messenikola is typically paired with red meats and game, as well as smoked cheese and cold cuts.
 Charcuterie |
 Salami |
 Hamburger |
 Stew |
 Lamb |
 Game |
 Meat |
 BBQ |
Excellent Pairings
Charcuterie. Ham. Salami.
Lamb Stew. Rabbit Stew.
Ragù. Stroganof.
Roasted Lamb. Game.
Chili con Carne. Roasted Mushrooms.
BBQ. Read Meat. Fillet Steak.
Greece Spesialities:
Stifatho. (Veal Stew with Onions).
Moussaka (Potato and Tomato based Lasagna).
Pastitio (Greek Lasagna).
The Ideal Glass for Messenikola
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The Bordeaux Glass was designed for enjoying fuller-bodied, tannic red wines. They are taller than other red wine glasses, and has a slimmer bowl. The tall size allows the bouquet of the wine to develop, smooth out rough edges, play down tannins, and allow the wine to achieve balance. The slimmer bowl directs the wine to the back of your mouth for a maximum taste. |
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About Limniona
Limniona is a rising star in Greece. It is about to be used in of a number of Greece top red wines. The quality of the grape was discovered when only a few vines were left. After some years of research it started yielding some impressive results.
Limniona is local to the areas of Karditsa and Tyrnavos in Thessaly, but because of its high profile, it is now cultivated almost everywhere in Greece.
Thessaly Wines
Thessaly wines range from full bodied reds from Xinomavro and Messenikola grapes, to aromatic and fresh whites from Roditis grapes.
Thessaly is also known for high-quality red wines from the Limniona grape.
Thessaly PDO Regions
Thessaly (Central Greece) has 3 PDO regions:
PDO Anchialos (1971)
PDO Messenikola (1994)
PDO Rapsani (1971)
PDO Anchialos (ΠΟΠ Αγχίαλος)
PDO requirements:
Dry White from min 80% Roditis + Savatiano.
Medium Dry White from min 80% Roditis + Savatiano.
Medium Sweet White from min 80% Roditis + Savatiano.
PDO Mesenikola (ΠΟΠ Μεσενικόλα)
PDO requirements:
Dry Red from min 70% Messenikola
and max 30% Carignan + Syrah.
PDO Rapsani (ΠΟΠ Ραψάνη)
PDO Rapsani is one of the 4 PDO zones for Xinomavro.
PDO requirements:
Dry Red from Xinomavro, Krassato and Stavroto.