You may have heard about Savatiano, the historical white grape variety which has traditionally been used to make the world-renowned retsina. Hopefully today, there are many more Greek varieties that you should taste while visiting Greece. The last fifteen years the country has certainly found its way to advocate its vinicultural wealth based on its plethora of indigenous grape varieties.
We have gathered for you the top Greek grape varieties to try while visiting beautiful destinations in Greece and discover the secrets of different Greek terroirs while having delectable wine tasting experiences in scenic wineries.
SANTORINI, Assyrtiko variety
Bearing the island’s volcanic DNA, Assyrtiko, one of Greece’s most fascinating and unique indigenous grape varieties, is delightfully rich in aromas, ranging from citrus and apple to honey, raisin and incense. With crispy acidity and excellent minerality, its wines are rich and refreshing. There are many wineries on Santorini, one of the oldest wine-producing areas in the world. Don’t miss out on the chance to visit them and do a little wine tasting yourself. Visit Venetsanos winery for a memorable wine tasting, overlooking the magnificent caldera and watching the sun melt into the Aegean Sea.
NEMEA, Agiorgitiko variety
Known as the favorite wine of the mythical king Agamemnon, Agiorgitiko is the grape of the PDO Nemea (Peloponnese), the largest red wine appellation in Greece –and a quality leader as well. Thanks to its deep red color, rich aroma, and velvet taste, it is a wine that offers gustatory satisfaction but also flexibility, since it can be very good to drink young and, at the same time, have the ability to age for several years. Visit Domaine Skouras near Nafplio, have an enjoyable guided tour around the winery and explore the amazing 1.000 barrel cellar! Then, relax at the bistrot of the Estate with white wines, flirt with splendid rose creations and explore the complex red labels of the winery.
NORTHERN TERROIR, Xinomavro variety
Planted in every nook and cranny of central and northern Greece, charismatic Xinomavro rightfully holds the top rank in the hierarchy of Greek varieties. Its uniqueness and performance promise to offer many a moving experience to all true wine connoisseurs, convincing them on the very first sip that they are dealing with something momentous and distinct. It has a complex, intricate and intellectually challenging personality while at the same time it is an ideal accompaniment to foods with intense and rich flavors, a mandatory feature of all Greek wines.
On the slopes of Epanomi, a few klm from the city of Thessaloniki, visit a modern winery, the renowned Gerovassiliou Estate and the private vineyard stretching over 95 hectares, that surrounds it. During your wine tasting experience, apart from the excellent wines you will taste, spend some time visiting the Wine Museum inside the Estate.
MANTINEIA, Moschofilero variety
Those who stay forever young in knowledge and mood will find in Moschofilero the ticket to a magic journey! Explosive, surprising, and replete with freshness, Moschofilero awakes the senses, whether it is enjoyed as an apéritif or acts as companion to elegant dishes. Despite the reddish or grayish skin of its berries, it is mostly used for the production of dry whites and some sparkling wines.The hub of Moschofilero variety is the Peloponnese and the Mantinia Plateau in particular. Near Mycenes, visit Tselepos Winery and enjoy a tour around the vineyards and the winery and enjoy a unique wine-tasting experience. On Santorini, you can taste Tselepos wines at the Winery Canava Chrissou – Tselepos and in Nemea, the Driopi Estate, which also runs under the guidance of Yiannis Tselepos.
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