Everything you need to know about the best Greek wines and wineries
Although it is often overlooked as a wine destination, Greece boasts some of the most exciting and interesting wines in Europe and even in the world. This gorgeous, historic country has an incredible variety of grapes and wines and some truly innovative winemakers blending tradition with modern methods and technology. For serious wine buffs, taking a Greece cruise is a wonderful way to explore this beautiful country and experience the remarkable wineries and wines it has to offer. This guide will help you to understand the Greek wines through its wineries as well as its wine regions.
History of winemaking in Greece
Greeks have a long-standing tradition of producing wines. Viticulture and wine production are central elements of Greek history and civilization. The first recorded mention of viniculture was from the 7th century BC. There are many findings from the Minoan and Mycenaean Civilizations that prove the production, consumption, and export of wines at that time. Wine also plays a major role in Greek Mythology. Dionysus, a Greek god on Olympus, appears to spend a lot of time enjoying wine, eating, and dancing.
What you should know about Greek wines
Greeks have been producing wine for thousands of years and every region has its own distinct flavor profile. Greek wines are very different from other international wines because they are mostly produced from the indigenous grape varieties, rather than international ones. There are over 300 indigenous grape varieties in Greece today, which puts Greece on the list of oldest and most unique wine-producing countries.
When it comes to Greek wines, Assyrtiko and Xinomavro undoubtedly take the leading positions in the list but you will discover more interesting wines produced from Agiorgitiko, Moschofilero, Roditis, Savvatiano as well as international varieties such as Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Geographically speaking, Greece consists of its mainland and numerous islands. The Greek mainland covers the southern edge of the Balkan Peninsula, jutting into the Mediterranean Sea between southern Italy and Turkey. Greek landscapes vary from rugged mountains and lush river valleys to flat coastal plains and tiny islands. Greek islands, along with the country's extensive coastline, bring a maritime influence to this otherwise hot Mediterranean climate. Viticulture is found in every corner of Greece, but it varies significantly from region to region.
Xinomavro wine is common in the northwest where rich tannic notes are more prevalent. The Peloponnese, in the south of Greece, mainly focuses on the Agiorgitiko grape variety and produces red wines together with fresh, highly acidic whites from Moschofilero. Santorini is internationally famous for dry Assyrtico-based wines while on other Aegean islands are famous for sweet Muscat-based wines produced on Rhodes, Samos and Limnos Islands.
Here are six of the most interesting places to visit to discover the best of Greek winemaking.
Acheon Winery
Set on the stunning slopes of Aigialos in Achaia, the Acheon estate is a truly picturesque spot. The rolling vineyards are surrounded by dramatic hills and mountains, adding a grand aesthetic to this excellent winery. The Katsikosta family have been making wine here for generations, and focus on using indigenous grapes from the region (including Roditis, Siderites, Moschato White, and Mavrodaphne) to create premium wines.
Semeli Estate
The Koutsi region in Corinthia is best-known for its cypress and olive groves, but the Semeli Estate fits beautifully into this delightful landscape. Benefitting from the soil and climate of the Peloponnese, the Semeli family have been cultivating vines here for over four decades. Inspired by the millenia-old traditions of winemaking in the region, their flagship Agiorgitiko red is magnificent, a perfect blend of ancient culture and modern, innovative winemaking methods. Alongside this heavy-hitter, Semeli also produces a superb variety of red, white, and sweet rosé wines, including an excellent Moschofilero.
Petralona Winery
Pharmaceuticals and wine might not sound like a good combination, but this is the journey that Christos Kalaitzis went on. After working in the pharmaceutical industry for years, and founding his own business, Christos and his brother Dimitris made an abrupt change of direction, abandoning their original careers and building Petralona Winery in Halkidiki. Christos combined his scientific experience with the centuries-old traditions of viticulture in the region, and now produces thoughtful, innovative wines such as Greek merlot, xinomavro, and sauvignon blanc, as well as premium quality olive oil.
Domaine Florian
The unique microclimate of Epanomi occurs as a result of the elevation of the Thermaikou Peninsula, the winds of the Bay of Thessaloniki, and perhaps the divine influence of nearby Mount Olympus, home of the Ancient Greek pantheon of gods. And it is this unique microclimate, as well as the wonderful sandy loam terroir, that makes the wines of Domaine Florian so special. Using natural fermentation, specially-built clay cellars, and minimal filtration, these are exceptional examples of the intricacy of Greek winemaking, and well worth experiencing.
Domaine Nikolaou
Domaine Nikolaou have been making wine since the 1930s, making it one of the longest-running modern wineries in Greece. Situated on the slopes of Mount Beseza, Domaine Nikolaou specializes in PDO wines from the Nemea region. Completely rebuilt in the 1980s, Domaine Nikolaou grows local varieties such as malagouzia, kydonitsa, and assyrtiko, as well as more well-known grapes like merlot and Cabernet Franc.
Vriniotis Winery
The history of winemaking is littered with grapes that no longer exist, ancient varieties that for one reason or another have become extinct. In this little corner of Greece, Vriniotis Winery is bringing one back to life. Alongside classic Greek grapes like aidani, assyrtiko, malagouzia, and monemvasia, winemaker Konstantinos Vriniotis grows vradiano, an ancient red variety that was at one point extinct, but now revived and blended with syrah and mavro kountoura to create a vibrant, fruity wine that should not be missed by any Greek wine tourist.
Guest Blogger: Frankie Girl
Frankie is the personality behind Popsicle Stand, a lifestyle publication with everything from vibrant city tours to style inspiration and more.
