The white grape variety with pink to dark red berries originates from Greece. The name is derived from "sidero" (iron) and refers to the hard berry skins. Synonyms are Akaki, Chimoniatiko, Siderites, Sideritis Scopelan, Sideritis Scopelou and Sidiritis. The abramification (parentage) is unknown. Confusingly, there is also an almost extinct variety of this name on the island of Cyprus, but it has a completely different DNA profile. The very late-maturing vine is susceptible to diseases, especially botrytis and powdery mildew, but resistant to drought and dryness. It yields fresh, acidic wines with a peppery note and is also used as table grape. The variety is cultivated in the northern Peloponnese, especially in the Patras appellation. There are also other stocks in Attica and Thessaly. It is often blended with the variety Roditis. No stocks were reported in 2016 (Kym Anderson).
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Dr. Christa Hanten
Fachjournalistin, Lektorin und Verkosterin, Wien