6 Greek wines you must try

The famous native varieties of Greece

While the first mentions of wine in ancient Greece start from the third to second century BC,
we see the modern history of quality Greek wine laying solid foundations from the 1970s. In
our time we are lucky to taste and enjoy the amazing and unique Greek wines. Today, in
total, Greece cultivates around 200 grape varieties.

The most successful of them form the basis of the Greek market and of Greek exports. We
have the pleasure of presenting you some of the most popular and also our favorite
varieties, however, clearly stating our subjectivity, since the final choice of a wine has to do
mainly with everyone’s taste.

Asyrtiko

This white variety is cultivated in the Cyclades but its most representative wines come from
Santorini. Why; The island’s climate left its traces on its soil and climate. Lava and minerals
enrich the taste with intense notes of metals and minerals. It has a high sharpness and a
long aftertaste with aromas of lemon, grapefruit, orange peel and citrus. With several thick
tears, this wine is rich, but also refreshing. Accompanied by fatty fish and shellfish with the
ultimate taste of the sea.

How do I test it? Certainly with a juicy grilled sea bass.

Malagouzia

The favorite white variety of the Greeks. It almost disappeared, but with the efforts of
Vangelis Gerovassiliou in the 1980s, it was saved and revived in Halkidiki, in the Porto Karras
estate. Today, the Gerovasiliou estate, located in our area (in Epanomi, Thessaloniki), is
perhaps considered the top producer of Malagouzia, while grape cultivation spread
throughout Greece. Very aromatic wine with aromas reminiscent of white flowers, herbs,
peach, apricot and citrus. Leaves a light peppery aftertaste. The wine has bitterness, medium
acidity and medium body, it has a yellow-green color and an intense fresh taste.

Accompanied by salads with aromatic sauces, fish or chicken.

How to try it: a Malagouzia of Gerovasiliou or one of Kostantara with fresh green salad and a
mushroom risotto, maybe it will pleasantly surprise you.

Muscat

This variety is considered one of the oldest and most popular in the world. Although it seems
to originate from the Greek island of Samos, today it is cultivated in many countries around
the world. The variety is multi-faceted, versatile, as it is capable of successfully producing
both dry and sweet wines as well as sparkling wines.

Hamburg Muscat (from the Tyrnavos wine cooperative), is a Muscat variety, at first
impression it shows a very characteristic aroma of the grape fruit. However, its aroma is
more complex, with notes of rose, fresh cloves, honey and exotic fruits. The wine has low
acidity, soft tannins, and a rich alcohol content. An everyday chameleon wine that
accompanies summer Greek cuisine.

How to try it: start with half a kilo and some appetizers, show it a little trust and it will take
you where it should.

A nice version of it Muscat is the dessert wine Samos Vin Doux, which holds the first place in
sweet wine sales in Greece and is exported worldwide. It is explosive at the first sip and has
a light golden color. The expressive aroma of Muscat is enriched with notes of ripe fruits and
musky flowers.

Accompanied by desserts and fruits.

Agiorgitiko

An ancient red variety cultivated mainly in the Nemea region, while the name of the wine is
often identified with the name of this region. It is also called the variety with many faces
because, due to the altitude at which it is grown, it is capable of producing refreshing rosés,
delicate and light reds to rich barrel-aged red wines.

It is also suitable for sparkling and dessert wines. Its color varies from medium pomegranate
or rose in pinks to medium purple in reds. The aroma is characterized by notes of red fruits
such as cherry, strawberry, raspberry and spices. It has a medium body, medium acidity and
soft tannins that make the wine harmonious and suitable to accompany a variety of dishes,
such as chicken, cheeses, macaroni and pork even in summer.

How to try it: Just a glass of quality Agiorgitiko in bulk combined with a Greek salad and a
juicy burger.

Xinomavro

In a Xinomavro there is no chance not to find a little of tomato or a little of olive in its aroma.
With its name meaning “sour and black”, the wine is characterized by high acidity, intense
tannins and a moderate body. Xinomavro wines, whether rosé or red, have a very distinct
aroma.

Tomatoes in all forms from fresh and pulp to sun-dried and jam, olive red fruits, rosemary,
sage, mushroom… Great Greek wine, ready to impress true wine lovers. The vineyard of the
Naoussa region, destroyed by phylloxera at the beginning of the 20th century, was revived
with the efforts of Giannis Boutaris in the 60s-70s. Today, the xinomavro is cultivated on a
large area, it is exported, while its cultivation has also started in Spain.

How to try it: Mr. Gianni’s favorite Acacias and a shrimp pasta is what your soul really needs.

Limnio

It is considered one of the oldest wines in the world as mentioned by Aristotle, Homer,
Hesiod and others. It comes from the island of Lemnos from where it got its name. In our
time it is cultivated in Halkidiki and Northern Greece.

The wines from Limnio have a moderate body, moderate acidity and subtle tannins. In its
aroma we find forest fruits and herbs such as thyme and sage. Its aroma becomes more
voluminous with barrel aging and is enriched by spice aromas. Ideal for red wine lovers who
want to escape from the heavy international red varieties, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and
Syrah, but also with Greek varieties such as Mavroudi, Mavrotragano and Agiorgitiko. And
when you accompany it with a stable pork steak, then you will probably appreciate it more.

To try the authentic indigenous varieties of a region or a country is a unique experience, a
culinary journey to the land of wine but also a luxurious privilege for the traveler!

So enjoy!