Kidonitsa, Greek for “little quince”, revives an ancient tradition of naming the grapes after their primary aromas.

Kidonitsa (or Kydonitsa) is the most acknowledged member of an almost extinct and out-of-the-ordinary group of grape varieties emerging in the last 15 years. Originating from the region of Laconia, in the south-east of the Peloponnese, it plays a part in the blend of the historic sweet white wine produced under the appellation Monemvassia – Malvasia PDO.

The prevailing version is that the name of Kydonitsa is due to the aroma of the must and the colour and texture of the rind, which is reminiscent of quince. There is another version, however, according to which it refers to its region of origin: perhaps the province of Kydonia in Crete or even the Kydonies of Asia Minor.

Dry kidonitsa wines are deep lemon in colour with trademark persistent quince aromas followed by citrus, apricot flavours, distinct mineral character and lightly floral touch.