The red wine variety Vertzami is native to the island of Lefkada on the west coast of the Peloponnese and is one of the most important grape varieties there and at the same time a local specialty. It probably also comes from the island, although its origin and actual age are obscure. The grape variety is very rewarding for winemakers to grow because it is resistant to most typical vine diseases. Only the False Meltau can harm the Vertzami. After a medium budding and a medium ripening period, the Vertzami produces medium-sized grapes with thick-skinned berries. On Lefkada, the grape variety now occupies almost 90 percent of the vineyards. Since it shows promising potential, the Vertzami can also be found, although so far on a rather modest scale, on the island of Corfu and in the western Peloponnese. Special characteristics of Vertzami are its extremely deep red color and its powerful tannin content, which is one of the highest in Europe. This can also make the wines quite long-lasting. However, this tannin structure also requires appropriate locations for the vine so that the tannins can ripen accordingly. It is developed as a single variety or in a cuvée, for example with Cabernet Franc. Outside Greece, there are still around 100 hectares of this grape variety in Cyprus, where it is mostly blended with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc or Syrah.
This grape variety is also known by the name of:
Barzami, Barsami, Bertzami, Balsamina Nera, Deykaditiko, Logothetis, Leukas, Lefkaditiko, Lefkada, Lefkas, Marzavi, Martzabi, Mpertzami, Varsami, Martzami, Martzavi, Vartzami Noir, Vartzamu, Varzami, Versami
