Viticultural Zone
Geographical environment and origin
In the viticultural zone where PDO Chandakas–Candia wines can be produced, the altitude reaches up to approximately 700 meters. The mountainous formations located in the center of the zone protect the vineyards from the hot southern winds, which can hinder vine development.
At the same time, the cool northern winds—thanks to the absence of mountains to the north—help maintain satisfactory summer temperatures. This results in reduced heat stress on the vines and contributes to a later ripening of the wine grapes.
The climate of the area is typical Mediterranean, with an average annual temperature of 18°C and an average annual rainfall of 440 mm. The terrain is highly rugged and uneven.
Demarcated Area
The demarcated area for the
production of PDO Chandakas–Candia
wines was established by Government
Gazette No. 260 / 13-12-2011.
The vineyards of the PDO Chandakas–Candia zone are cultivated in the estate areas of the Municipal Unit of Archanes, the Local Communities of Kalyvia, Praitoria, Pyrgos, Tefeli, Charaki, and Charakas within the Municipal Unit of Asterousia, and in the Municipal Unit of Nikos Kazantzakis, all part of the Municipality of Archanes–Asterousia.
Additionally, vineyards are cultivated in the Municipal Unit of Agia Varvara, and in the Local Communities of Agioi Deka, Ampelouzos, Vagionia, and Choustouliana within the Municipal Unit of Gortyna, the Local Communities of Asimi, Dionysi, Lourou, and Sokaras in the Municipal Unit of Kofinas, and the Local Communities of Gergeri and Panasos in the Municipal Unit of Rouvas, all within the Municipality of Gortyna.
It also includes the Municipal Unit of Gorgolaini, the settlements of Athanatoi, Gournes, Drakouliaris, Lofoupoli, Semeli, and Finikia within the 3rd Municipal District of Heraklion, as well as the settlements of Agia Eirini, Vlychia, Knossos, and Marathitis within the 4th Municipal District of Heraklion. Finally, it includes the Local Communities of Vassilies, Voutes, Dafnes, Skalani, and Stavrakia in the Municipal Unit of Heraklion, as well as the Municipal Units of Paliani and Temenos of the Municipality of Heraklion.
Also included are the Municipal Community of Gazi and the Local Community of Kalesia in the Municipal Unit of Gazi, the Municipal Unit of Krousonas, and the Local Communities of Astyrakio, Gonies Maleviziou, Damasta, Kamariotis, Keramoutsi, Marathos, Moni, and Tylissos in the Municipal Unit of Tylissos, all within the Municipality of Malevizi.
Finally, the Municipal Community of Arkalochori, along with the Local Communities of Garipa, Kastelliana, Panorama, Partira, and Patsideros in the Municipal Unit of Arkalochori are also part of the PDO zone, the Municipal Unit of Thrapsano and the Local Communities of Evangelismos and Kastelli of the Municipal Unit of Kastelli in the Municipality of Minoa Pediada, the Local Community of Moroni in the Municipal Unit of Zaros, and the Local Community of Roufas in the Municipal Unit of Moires, both part of the Municipality of Faistos, as well as the Municipal Unit of Episkopi in the Municipality of Hersonissos, all located
within the Regional Unit of Heraklion.
Maximum Yield per Hectare
The maximum yield per hectare (ha) shall not exceed ten thousand (10,000) kilograms of fresh grapes.
Permitted Wine Grape Varieties
