Debina

The famous & unexplored variety of Zitsa

Debina is a thoroughbred Greek white wine grape variety, delicate and crispy. Its origins are located in the beautiful Zitsa of Ioannina, where it is grown on the hilltops of the six villages in the famous Wine Region of Zitsa. It is considered to be unique in its kind due to the fruity, classy and elegant aromas of apple, pear and peach, which certainly can seduce the most demanding wine lover.

A few hundreds of years back, it was the basic indigenous variety from which the wine makers of the area made the famous sparkling and semi-sparkling wine of Zitsa. Based on this fact, it is considered ideal for the production of sparkling wines. However, it is also suitable for the production of elegant, youthful dry white wines and so, it has rightly been designated as a P.D.O. variety (Protected Designation of Origin, Zitsa).

Domaine Glinavos produces wines of many types from this particular wine grape variety as well as the exceptional tsipouro of Epirus by exploiting the trilogy; ideal soil, climate, grape variety. The contemporary oenological knowledge enriched with elements from the local tradition set off the trilogy. In whatever form Debina is tasted, it is sure to steal the scene not only because of its uniqueness and authenticity, but also due to the fact that even today, it is considered to be among the unexplored varieties.

Debina wine grape variety is a local white grape variety found in Zitsa, Ioannina, Greece

Climate

The mountains of Pindos in conjunction with the wind currents formed in the run of Kalamas’ river towards the Ionian Sea, give Zitsa the special microclimate, required for the cultivation of the unique grape variety Debina and other varieties as well. Winters in the region are mild and the summers are cool, giving the ideal climatic conditions ideal for the growth of vines and the production of high-quality wines.

Harvest

Depending on the vineyards, the maturation of Debina begins around 15th of September and escalates until the end of September, depending on the climatic conditions of each year.

Low yield per hectare is a vital prerequisite for producing quality Debina, and thus, the crops should not exceed 800 to 900 kg per hectare. The bunches from the variety of Debina are relatively large and its berries are spherical and medium sized.

When the sweetness of the grapes reaches 11-12 Beaumont and the berries become glossy and clear, they are ready for harvest. The subtle differences in the quality among different vineyards will emerge from the vinification.

Organoleptic Characteristics

The aromas and flavours that characterize Debina are mild and delicate.The harmony and the balanced flavour are those characteristics that give its authenticity and uniqueness.

The green apple, citrus fruit and pear are aromas that dominate. Hints of white peach and jasmine enrich the high quality Debina wines.

The natural acidity of Debina plays a vital role in the uniqueness of wines made from it, since it gives the characteristic and impressive freshness to the variety.