Exploring the Elixir of the Gods: Greece's Most Celebrated Wines

Wine and wine-making are inextricably linked with the history of Greek civilisation. Wine is connected to all aspects of Greek life - social, economic, religious and spiritual. The history of wine in Greece dates back to the early Neolithic Age. Various discoveries show that viticulture has been present continuously in the region, probably longer than in any other area. And as the Greek civilisation spread through the Mediterranean (Southern Italy, Sicily, Spain, and Southern France), the wine culture followed.

Today, Greece has to offer a variety of good quality wines. The microclimate of each region gives the different wines a unique identity and special characteristics. In this article, we will present you with a list of the most distinctive wines of this beautiful Mediterranean country.

Nothing is better than a glass of some cold, white wine. Image by Matthieu Joannon, @unsplash

A list of the white Greek wines

1. Assyrtiko is one of the most popular white wines in Greece. Many regions in the country produce it, but its place of origin is the beautiful island of Santorini! The Assyrtiko grapes are very versatile and maintain their acidity as they age. They produce a dense wine with texture, and apart from their most common dry variations, they also make sweet ones like the Santorinian wine Vinsanto. 
2. Athiri is another variety that comes from the island of Santorini. It is less acidic than Assyrtiko, thus more moderate and dry but fruity and elegant. It is the perfect wine to accompany your fish during the hot summer days.
3. Debina comes from the region of Zitsa in Epirus. Although it is one of the least known native grape varieties, Debina produces excellent sparkling and semi-sparkling dry wine.
4. Lagorthi is a variety that we meet mainly in the region of Achaia in Peloponesse. This grape produces a fruity, dry wine with great definition and crispness, similar to the North European ones.
5. Malagousia is a grape growing mainly in the region of Macedonia. This type of grape produces a more rich white wine similar to Chardonnay.
6. Moschofilero is probably the most popular white wine among the Greeks. It grows on the plateaus of Mantinia in Central Peloponesse. It is a fresh and floral wine, lighter than the previous ones, the perfect aperitif wine that goes well with delicate dishes like sushi and seafood. It is similar to Muscat but very different at the same time.
7. Robola grows on the beautiful island of Kefalonia in the Ionian Sea. The lemony aftertaste of this smokey and mineral wine compliments fish and other seafood.
8. Roditis is more of a rose rather than a white variety. This variety is cultivated throughout Greece, producing a light, elegant wine with citrus flavours. 
9. Savvatiano (the grape of Saturday) produces floral, fruity wines and the famous Retsina. Retsina is a white wine infused with the sap of the Allepo pine tree. Sometimes, you will find Retsina from Assyrtiko grapes, but the one from Savvatiano grapes has a richer flavour. Savvatiano is the predominant grape variety of the Attica region. 

Greeks love red wine for its full flavour and health properties. Image by Jonathan Hunt, @unsplash

A list of the red Greek wines

1. Agiorgitiko (St. Goerge's) is a variety native to Nemea, Peloponesse. The wines from the Agiorgitiko grape are full-bodied and fruity, similar to Merlot but spicier. Agiotgitiko also produces high-quality rosé. 
2. Kotsifali is a Cretan variety that produces what we would say is a "typically Mediterranean wine" because it is low in colour and intense on aromas. Usually, we blend it with Mandiliara -another variety from Crete- or Syrah to get a wine with a more intense colour. It goes well with rich meat dishes like casseroles.
3. Limnio comes from the island of Limnos. It is an ancient grape variety that gives light red wines with elegant aromas with dominant the ones of herbs, especially bay leaves.
4. Mavrotragano is a native to Santorini. Traditionally cultivated to produce sweet wines, it is now considered a high-quality grape for rich, dry wines.
5. Vertzami is produced on the Ionian Island of Lefkada. It gives a wine with intense red colour, flavour, and aromas. It goes beautifully with red meats.
6. Xinomavro is the pride of Northern Greece, especially the area of Naoussa. This Greek variety is similar to Nebbiolo. It is a versatile grape that gives high-quality reds, rosés, sparkling even, dynamic sweet wines. 

A glass of sweet wine is a smart choice to accompany your dessert. Image by Richard Loader, @unsplash

A list of the sweet Greek wines

1. Mavrodaphne is a variety that grows in the western Peloponesse and the Ionian Islands. It is usually blended with the Corinthian black currant to make one the most famous dessert wines in Greece, the homonymous Mavrodaphne, which means black laurel.
2. Muscat of Samos gives the famous dessert wine of the homonymous Aegean Island. It belongs to the Vins de Liqueurs category.
3. Vinsanto, as we already mentioned above, is native to Santorini. It is a sweet white wine that goes brilliantly with sharp, salty cheeses like Roquefort. Desserts based on caramel, fig, dried nuts and coffee are the best companions of Vinsanto wines.
   

Greek wines are constantly gaining popularity due to their uniqueness and high standards. So take advantage of the opportunity to have a taste. Cheers!

To learn more about Greek wines, visit the National Interprofessional Organisation of Vine and Wine.

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