The red grape variety originates from Greece. Synonyms are Kalabaki, Kalambaki, Kalampaki, Lembiotiko, Lemnia, Lemnio, Lemniotico, Limniona, Limniotico and Mavro Limnio. It should not be confused with the variety Limniona, from which it is genetically different according to DNA analyses. The ancestry (eltrernity) is unknown. According to one hypothesis, it is said to be descended from the variety Lemnia (Limnia) mentioned by Aristotle (384-322 BC) and Hesiod (~750-680 BC). The late-maturing vine is resistant to drought, but susceptible to downy mildew and botrytis. It produces full-bodied, tannin- and alcohol-rich red wines with pronounced acidity and spicy aromas of sage and laurel. These are vinified as single varieties or blended with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Mavrotragano. The variety is grown on the island of Limnos in the Aegean Sea, which gives it its name. There are further stocks on the mainland in the regions of Macedonia(Côtes de Meliton) and Thrace. In 2016, 176 hectares of vines were designated (Kym Anderson).
Source: Wine Grapes / J. Robinson, J. Harding, J. Vouillamoz / Penguin Books Ltd. 2012
Image: photo archive National Interprofessional Organization of Vine and Wine of Greece
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