Greek wine is similar to American and French wines. Really?
Greece has been producing wine for over 2000 years. Who is similar to who?
Today, Greece has over 1200 wineries ranging from large companies that export to mom and pops who only make enough for themselves and a few others.
They grow over 300 indigenous grape varieties, some of which have been used since ancient times. To these, they also grow many new up-starts like Chardonnay, Cabernet, and the like.
Twenty-nine of Greece’s wine regions are designated P.D.O. (Protected Designation of Origin). Wine with this designation has to be one of the 300 Greek varietals, indigenous and historically grown and produced within the region’s boundaries.
On average, Greece produces around 66% white to 33% red wine. Unfortunately, only about 10% of Greek wines are exported for those outside Greece.
Knowing that, is there any better reason to try as many Greek wines when you are in Greece?
Greek Wine 101
This is a Greek wine 101. You will not walk away an expert, but perhaps, with a slightly better understanding of Greek wines.
People ask me if they can get a Chardonnay wine in Greece. You can, although you might have to search for it.
But WHY would you not want to drink a Greek wine in the country where the grape grows?
Here is a list of some more popular Greek wines and their French/American equivalents.
Just as two California Chardonnays are not 100% identical, just as a California Chardonnay and a French Chardonnay are not identical, these Greek wines are similar in characteristics.
Like any other wine grape, Greek grapes will produce a different taste depending on soil, climate, etc.
While reading the list below, think: “If I like an American/French _____, I should try a Greek _____ wine.
Greek Whites are Similar To:
Assyrtiko (ah-sir-tee-ko):
This white grape can produce minerally, bone-dry, citrus-edged white wines. Greek wines from this grape can be similar to Chablis. In addition, it makes wines similar to a Sauvignon Blanc.
Athiri (ah-thee-ree):
This white grape variety often produces a scent of stone fruits, like peaches or nectarines. This grape of ancient origin only grows in Greece. They predominantly use it as a blend to calm down wilder Greek wines.
Malagousia (mah-la-goo-see-ah):
This wine has melon and honeysuckle aromas, producing a silky-rich white. In the 1980s, this grape of ancient origin came back from the brink of extinction. It is reminiscent of a French Viognier.
Moscofilero (mos-ko-fi-ler-oh):
This grape is popular in the white wines from the Peloponnese. It produces slightly dry wine like an Italian Pinot Grigio. However, it also can produce a sweet white wine that many compare to German Gewürztraminer or French Muscat.
Robola (ro-bol-a):
This white grape is popular on the Ionian islands. It produces a medium-body white wine with mineral undertones. Wines from this grape may remind you of a Chablis. Yet other wines have a finished taste more like a Riesling.
Roditis (ro-dee-tis):
This pink-skinned grape produces a light-bodied yet elegant crisp white or rose. They also use it in today’s Retsina.
Retsina
Retsina HAD a bad reputation and for a good reason. In the 1940s, the Greeks would add pine resin to their local wine. This was to keep the invading Germans from drinking it. As it was the only wine in town, the locals began drinking it and soon acquired a taste. Or maybe destroyed their ability to taste?
Today, several wineries are producing the “new” retsina with less resin and using higher-quality grapes. Today, several respectable Retsinas are on the market, some even award-winning. (Remember, there was a time when many people looked down their noses at California wines.)
Greek Reds are Reminiscent Of:
Xinomavro (zhee-no-mav-ro):
This red wine has floral and spicey aromas. The tannins are firm, and it produces vibrant fruit undertones. Wine drinkers compare it to Nebbiolo, Barolo, or Sangiovese. In addition, it also produces a Pinot Noir-ish wine.
Agiorgitiko (ah-gee-or-gee-tee-ko):
This grape produces velvety reds with lush, black-cherry flavors. Wines from this grape remind some people of a merlot. But other wines from this grape are similar to a Cabernet Sauvignon.
So once again, this did not make you an expert on Greek wine. But maybe it lays a general blueprint as to what direction you might like to start in.
Or do what I do, try them all.
A few Greek wine producers you may find outside of Greece include:
Boutari – a family-run winery dating back to 1879
Domaine Skouras – producing great wines in the Peloponnese.
Gaia Wineries – making delicious wines in both Santorini and Nemea.
These are not the only Greek wineries exporting. More are coming to North America every year.