Centuries ago, Debina was the primary indigenous variety used by local vintners to produce the famous sparkling and semi-sparkling wines of Zitsa, earning it the title of the ideal variety for sparkling wine production. It is also well-suited for creating refined, youthful, dry white wines. This versatility has led to its recognition as a PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) variety under Greek law, specifically for wines bearing the ZITSA designation. Leveraging ideal soil, climate, and variety, combined with modern oenological knowledge and local tradition, the Glinavos Estate produces various types of wines from this distinctive grape variety, along with the exceptional Epirus tsipouro.
The mountainous terrain of Pindus and the airflow patterns created by the Kalamas River as it flows towards the Ionian Sea provide Zitsa with the unique microclimate necessary for cultivating Debina. Mild winters and cool summers offer perfect conditions for vine growth and the production of high-quality varieties. The gentle hills and slopes of the Zitsa wine region sit at an altitude of 600-700 meters, an ideal range for producing quality wines. The limestone-rich, shallow soils at this elevation, influenced by sea breezes, create a perfect environment for Debina.