📍 Zitsa

Zitsa is a small wine zone in north-western Greece, in Epirus, on a high plateau near the city of Ioannina. The vineyards lie at 600 to 700 metres, making it one of the highest-altitude areas in Greece, with frequent fog and cool nights. The area has denomination of origin (PDO) status.

The main grape is the white Debina, a local variety with high acidity that suits sparkling wine well. It makes dry still wine, semi-dry still wine and the area's special pride, sparkling Zitsa. The wines are fresh and light, with citrus notes.

Zitsa also has red wines from local and international grapes, but white Debina remains the main one. Near the zone stands the Monastery of Prophet Elias, and the zone is linked to the stone villages of Zagori.

Zitsa is part of Epirus and of Greek winemaking. It is a good example of cool, high-altitude Greece, where wine differs radically from the hot south. Sparkling Zitsa suits an aperitif and the herb pies of Epirus. The name Zitsa on a label shows that the grapes grew in this very area, which makes it easy to look for similar wines.