The island of Crete is the largest and arguably the most famous, located southern edge of the Aegean Sea of Greece. Viticulture has been practised since ancient times, and the island is considered to be the first in the Mediterranean to have planted vines. The Romans were probably the first to plant them in 67 BC, although very old excavations were found with estimated age around 2000 BC. The climate is the hottest in the whole of Greece, and most of the vineyards are planted on the northern side of the island. The vineyards in that side are protected by Crete's extensive mountain ranges, from hot North African winds and instead benefit from cooling breezes from the Aegean Sea in the north. Most of the vines are planted on an altitude of 400-900 metres above sea level where much cooler and suitable for quality viticulture. The soil on the Crete consists predominantly from limestone and vary from light sandy loam to more-dense clay-based soils. The most important local grape varieties are Mandilaria and Athiri, Malvasia and Assyrtiko and from the international are Muscat, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot. Back in the Middle Ages, the most important and popular wines from the island were the sweet wines made from Muscat and Malvasia which were sought after all across Europe. The modern wine era of Crete begins in 1970 when it is awarded PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) status and divided into four wine-growing areas including Peza, Arhanes, Dafnes and Sitia. At the moment Crete is a bit forgotten from the world and it tries to gain back its formal glory with modern and elegant wines.