There are many different wine regions and styles of Greek wines. Each region has its own unique terroir and winemaking traditions that contribute to the distinct character and flavor of its wines.
General Terroir & History
Winemaking in Greece has a long and rich history, dating back to ancient times. The Greeks were among the first to develop winemaking techniques, and their wines were highly prized by the ancient Romans. Today, Greek wines are known for their unique flavors and styles, and are enjoyed by wine lovers around the world.
In recent years, Greek wines have been gaining international recognition and acclaim, with many Greek wineries winning awards and accolades at international wine competitions. With its unique winemaking techniques and a wide variety of grape varietals and wine styles, Greek wines are a fascinating and delicious addition to any wine lover's collection.
The climate of Greece plays a significant role in the character and flavor of Greek wines. The country's Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot summers and mild winters, provides ideal growing conditions for many grape varieties.
The hot summers in Greece allow grapes to fully ripen, which results in wines with high alcohol content and good acidity. The mild winters, on the other hand, help prevent the grapes from developing disease and pests, which is vital for producing high-quality grapes.
Major Grape Varietals & Styles
One of the most typical winemaking techniques used in Greece is the use of amphoras, large clay jars that were traditionally used to store and transport wine. These amphoras are used to ferment and age the wine. This technique imparts a unique flavor and texture to the wine, and is still used by some Greek winemakers today.
Assyrtiko is a white grape variety that is widely grown on the island of Santorini and in other parts of Greece. It produces wines that are known for their high acidity, minerality, and citrus flavors, with notes of lemon and lime. The wines are dry and have a distinct salty finish, due to the unique terroir of Santorini. They are also known for their ability to age well.
Malagousia is a white grape variety that is grown mainly in the regions of Macedonia and Thessaly. It produces wines with a delicate floral aroma, with notes of apricot, peach, and tropical fruits. They are medium-bodied with a good acidity and a long finish.
Mavroudi is a red grape variety that is grown mainly in the region of Evia. It produces wines that are medium-bodied with moderate tannins. They have a fruity aroma with notes of red berries, plum, and spice. They are known for their good balance and medium acidity.
Agiorgitiko, also known as "Saint George," is a red grape variety that is grown mainly in the region of Nemea. It produces wines that are full-bodied with high tannins. They have a fruity aroma with notes of black cherry, blackberry, and plum. They are known for their rich and complex flavor, and have a long finish.
Wine Regions
Greece is a country made of a mainland, as well as multiple island regions which can be roughly devided into 4 main regions
Northern Greece
The mountainous regions have a more continental climate, with cold winters, and hot summers. The wines from these regions are known for their floral aroma and good acidity.
Thrace is a wine region located in the northeastern part of Greece, near the borders of Bulgaria and Turkey. The region is known for its red wines made from the local grape variety, Limnio. These wines are known for their rich, full-bodied flavor and high tannins. They have a fruity aroma with notes of black cherry, plum, and spice. They are often aged in oak barrels, which imparts a vanilla and caramel flavor.
Macedonia is a wine region located in the northern part of Greece. The region is known for its white wines made from the grape varieties of Malagousia and Assyrtiko. The wines from this region are known for their floral aroma, with notes of apricot, peach, and tropical fruits. They are medium-bodied with a good acidity and a long finish. They are often paired with seafood, chicken, and light pasta dishes.
Central Greece
Attica is a wine region located in the greater Athens area. The region is known for its red wines made from the grape variety Agiorgitiko. These wines are known for their rich and complex flavor and have a long finish. They have a fruity aroma with notes of black cherry, blackberry, and plum. They are often paired with lamb and grilled meats.
Thessaly is a wine region located in the central part of Greece. The region is known for its red and white wines, made from the grape varieties of Xinomavro and Moschofilero respectively. The red wines from this region are known for their high acidity, medium tannins and a fruity aroma with notes of red berries, plum, and spice. The white wines have a floral aroma and a medium-bodied with a good acidity and a long finish.
Southern Greece
The coastal regions have a milder climate, with moderate temperatures, and adequate rainfall. The wines from these regions have a fruity aroma and good balance of acidity and tannins.
Crete is a wine region located in the southern part of Greece. The region is known for its red and white wines, made from the grape varieties of Dafni and Thrapsathiri respectively. The red wines from this region are known for their rich and complex flavor, with notes of black cherry, plum and spices. The white wines are known for their floral aroma, with notes of apricot, peach, and tropical fruits. They are medium-bodied with a good acidity and a long finish.
Aegen Islands
The island regions are known for their unique terroir, characterized by volcanic soil, strong winds and minimal rainfall. These conditions result in wines with a distinct minerality, high acidity and unique flavors. The wines from these regions are known for their ability to age well and maintain their freshness for a long period.
Santorini is an island wine region located in the Aegean Sea. The region is known for its dry white wines made from the grape variety Assyrtiko. These wines are known for their high acidity, minerality, and citrus flavors, with notes of lemon and lime. The wines are dry and have a distinct salty finish, due to the unique terroir of Santorini. They are also known for their ability to age well.
Limnos and Samos are island wine regions located in the northeastern Aegean Sea. Limnos is known for its white wines made from the grape variety Monemvasia and Samos for its sweet wines made from the grape variety Muscat of Samos. The white wines from Limnos are known for their floral aroma, with notes of apricot, peach, and tropical fruits. They are medium-bodied with a good acidity and a long finish. The sweet wines from Samos are known for their honey and apricot aromas, with a rich and sweet taste. They are often paired with desserts or as an aperitif.
In Conclusion
The country's Mediterranean climate and diverse terroirs provide ideal growing conditions for a wide range of grape varieties. The winemaking techniques used in Greece include the use of amphoras, which imparts a unique flavor and texture to the wine. Greek wines come in a variety of styles, from light and crisp white wines to full-bodied reds. Some of the most common grape varietals used in Greek wine production include Assyrtiko, Moschofilero, Xinomavro, Agiorgitiko, and Savatiano. The wines from different regions within Greece have unique taste profiles, such as the dry white wines from Santorini, the floral white wines from Macedonia, the full-bodied red wines from Nemea, and the sweet wines from Samos. Greek wines have been gaining international recognition and acclaim, with many Greek wineries winning awards and accolades at international wine competitions.
