The vineyards of Samos

Samos vineyards

White Muscat holds a prominent position in the vineyards of Samos, taking up 95% of almost 4,400 acres devoted to viticulture on the island. Most of the variety’s yield goes toward production of the famous sweet wine of Samos. Although the vineyards are scattered throughout the island, their core is to be found on the island’s northern side between Karlovassi and the city of Samos. The granite soil on Samos is neutral, calcareous and has low fertility but good drainage. Most of the vineyards are planted on tiered terraces (pezoules). The climate on the island is typically Mediterranean. The vineyards of Samos are found on highly varying altitudes -between those of the low plains and those that rise up to 800-900 meters in the uplands. This has a strong effect on the aromatic features of the wines produced -the most typical of which are perhaps those originating in semi-mountainous terroirs.