The red grape variety (also Lemniona) originates from Greece.
The parentage is unknown. However, it should not be confused with the Limnio variety (with the synonym Limniona), from which it is genetically different according to DNA analyses (ex Wine Grapes).
The late-ripening vine produces colourful red wines with soft tannins and aromas of blackcurrant, sour cherry and spices, which have ageing potential if matured appropriately.
It was cultivated in eastern and central Greece until around 1930, before a natural disaster destroyed the vineyards. The variety, which was threatened with extinction, was reactivated. It is cultivated in the regions of Thessaly, Macedonia ( Amynteo appellation) and Peloponnese. There it is mostly used in blends, for example with the Xinomavro and Syrah varieties. However, no stocks were reported in 2016 (Kym Anderson statistics).
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Markus J. Eser
Weinakademiker und Herausgeber „Der Weinkalender“