Archaeological evidence has uncovered grape residue in modern-day Greece, dating to about 4000 BC. At one time, Greece was the most important wine-producing region in the world. And while in more modern times its status as a prominent winemaking country has been overshadowed by some of its more famous European neighbors, Greek wine today is enjoying a rebirth. Here you'll find a mix of familiar European varieties and indigenous grapes offering a wide range of styles.
What are the most popular wine regions in Greece?
In northern Greece, near the North Macedonian border, the native grape, Xinomavro, produces wines with high tannin and high acidity; these traits have earned it the moniker "the Barolo of Greece." The Bordeaux varieties Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc are also common in northern Greek vineyards. The warmer central part of the country is home to the indigenous white grape variety, Savatiano—one of Greece's most widely planted grapes—and Xinomavro-dominant blends. Southern Greece is hot, and the region produces fruity red wines, aromatic whites and dessert wines. Agiorgitiko is a popular indigenous red variety from Nemea, and further south on the island of Crete, you can find dozens of native Greek grape varieties. The Aegean island of Santorini is a beautiful island and home to Assyrtiko, Greece's most important white wine grape.
What are the best Greek wines?
The most-planted red grape in Greece is Agiorgitiko, which translates to “St. George’s grape.” Locals refer to it as the “blood of Hercules,” as legend holds that Hercules drank Agiorgitiko after defeating a lion in battle. Xinomavro is another popular choice, whose high tannin and acidity mean long aging times (in warmer parts of Greece, Xinomavro is often blended with other red varieties). Assyrtiko is Greece’s hallmark white wine. Dry with a touch of salinity, it is often oaked (look for “Nykteri” on the bottle). Sparkling wine drinkers may find Moschofilero to their liking; while sometimes a still wine with great aging potential, the sparkling version varies in style, often featuring notes of lemon, brioche and honey. Vinsanto is a sun-dried sweet wine made in Santorini and can be made from various white grapes. Finally, for those seeking a uniquely Greek wine, Retsina is an ancient wine infused with the sap from nearby Aleppo pine trees. In ancient times, the pine sap helped seal the amphorae and preserve the wine, but today’s winemakers use a smaller amount to enhance the wine, which they typically make from Savatiano or Roditis.
Want to learn more about wines from Greece?
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