Thrace / Θράκη

In the oldest Greek usage (Thrace), it meant the entire Balkan peninsula without the Greek Peloponnese, later only the eastern part south of the Danube. The Greek poet Homer (8th century BC) already praised the Thracian wines and Odysseus used them to defeat the one-eyed Cyclops Polyphemus. Today the area is divided between Bulgaria, Greece (8,500 km²) and Turkey (23,600 km²). The Greek region of Thráki lies in the north-east of the country, bordering Bulgaria to the north and Turkey to the east. Here, as in the neighbouring Greek region of Macedonia to the west, mainly red wines are pressed from the Xinomavro grape variety, but there are no wines classified as POP. The Bulgarian region of Thrace is also famous for the cultivation of roses. Besides rose oil, which is sought after worldwide, strong red wines are produced here. Long ago, wines flavoured with rose petals were very popular. A traditional grape juice drink from Turkish Thrace today is Hardaliye.

Map of Greece: By Pitichinaccio - own work, CC BY 3.0, Link
edited by Norbert F. J. Tischelmayer 2/2018