A Beginner’s Guide to Greek Wines

Greek wines have been underrated for a long time, despite the fact that the Greeks have been making wine since around 2000 B.C. The quality of Greek wines has improved dramatically since the 1980s, and more of them have been appearing in the finest establishments around the world. Greek white wines are especially food-friendly, making them a popular choice on restaurant wine lists.

Greece is a country that produces all types of wines – white, red and rose. The taste of these wines varies depending on the grape variety and soil elements. Some of the most famous wine-producing regions in Greece are Crete, Santorini, Nemea, Kefalonia, Patras, Naoussa, Paros and Samos.

Here are some of the most popular grape varieties grown in Greece, along with their phonetic pronunciation, since the main hurdle among most visitors is the naming of the grapes themselves. Enjoy!

Red Wines

Agiorghitiko (aye-yor-yee-tee-ko) is a type of wine grape that grows in Nemea Peloponnese. It produces a soft and fruity wine and is also known as the grape of Saint George.

Xinomavro (zhee-no-mav-ro) is a variety of grape mainly found in Naoussa, in the prefecture of Macedonia. This grape has the potential to age well and is also known as sour black.

Mandilaria (Māhn-dee-lar-yá) is a grape variety mostly cultivated on the islands of Rhodes and Crete. The wine produced from this grape is very tannic and is often blended with other grape varieties to soften its taste.

Mavrodaphne (Mahv-ro-dáf-nee), also known as black laurel, is mostly grown in the region of Patras Peloponnese. It is a very strong wine and is commonly used in Holy Communion in Greece.

White Wines

Assyrtiko (ah-sir-tee-ko) is a grape variety that is mainly found on the island of Santorini. One of its unique characteristics is that it maintains its acidity as it ages.

Athyri (ah-thee-ree) is another grape variety that was originally cultivated in Santorini, but it is now also grown in Macedonia, Attica, and Rhodes. This variety is ancient and has a lower acidity level than Assyrtiko.

Moschofilero (mos-ko-fi-ler-oh) is a delicious grape variety that grows in Matineia, Peloponnese. The wine made from Moschofilero grapes has a crisp, sometimes sparkling style.

Robola (ro-bo-lah) is a grape variety grown on the island of Kefalonia. It has a smoky, mineral, and lemony flavor.

Roditis (ro-dee-tis) is a popular grape variety in Attica, Macedonia, Thessaly, and Peloponnese. It produces elegant and light wine with a citrus flavor.

Savatiano (sa-va-tya-no) is a grape variety that grows in the Attica region. When fermented at low temperatures, it produces a distinct fruity aroma. When fermented without cooling, it is used to make the famous Retsina wine