The white grape variety originates from Greece. Synonyms are Debina Metsovou, Debina Palea, Dempina, Ntempina and Zitsa. It should not be confused with the two Albanian varieties Debina Kala and Debina Teki (although possibly related) or (because of a similar synonym) Tsitska. The wine made from it was praised by the British poet George Gordon Byron alias "Lord Byron" (1788-1824), who took part in the Greek struggle for freedom. The late-ripening vine is susceptible to botrytis and sensitive to drought. It produces tangy, acidic white wines with a typical apple aroma, which are well suited for the production of sparkling wine. However, it is also used as table grape. The variety is mainly cultivated in the regions of Epirus in the Zitsa appellation, in the Peloponnese and in Thessaly. In 2016, only 14 hectares of vines were reported, with a strong downward trend (Kym Anderson statistics).
Source: Wine Grapes / J. Robinson, J. Harding, J. Vouillamoz / Penguin Books Ltd. 2012
Picture: photo archive National Interprofessional Organization of Vine and Wine
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Dr. Christa Hanten
Fachjournalistin, Lektorin und Verkosterin, Wien