Greek Wine Varieties, from A to Z
The wine production of Greece has been -and continues to be- one of the largest, most important and most impressive wine productions across the world. Not only enjoyed by the lucky locals, the Greek wine varieties are also being exported across the international markets, reaching distant civilizations and gaining praise, recognition and multiple awards. Apart from the up-and-coming Greek varieties and their flagships (Assyrtiko, Moschofilero, Agiorgitiko and Xinomavro) there are also practically hundreds of other Greek grape varieties.
Here is a guide to the most popular Greek wine varietals you should make sure to try when visiting Greece!
Agiorgitiko
King of the red grapes in the Peloponnese, Agiorgitiko is cultivated in Nemea. It produces wines that are deep red in colour, with a pronounced gooseberry and blackberry flavor, and a rich, mature, velvety, luscious texture. The soft new Agiorgitiko wines are fruit-forward and are enjoyed at an early age. However, there is a potential for long-term cellaring (5-10 years).
Assyrtiko
Assyrtiko is the noblest white variety found in Greek vineyards, and its cultivation is centred in the Cyclades. However, it has successfully migrated to Halkidiki, Epanomi, Drama and the Pangeo Mountain in Northern Greece, as well as to the Peloponnese. It maintains its high acidity even in full ripeness. Its wines are rich and refreshing with crispy acidity and excellent minerality. The aromas of the wine remind us of citrus, lemon blossoms, orange peel and grapefruit.
Athiri
This is another white grape found on the islands in the Southern Aegean and in Halkidiki in Eastern Macedonia. The wine is characterized by a mild aroma of citrus and yellow fruits.
Debina
A white variety from Epirus, with its cultivation centred in Zitsa, in the Ioannina Prefecture. Its wines place emphasis on fruit. They are characterized by their refreshing acidity. Debina has the potential to produce effervescent wines.
Liatiko
An exclusive Cretan grape, Liatiko is considered to be one of the oldest Greek varieties. It matures in July, hence its name, which is an abridement of “Juliatiko”. Liatiko is a variety with high alcohol potential that best demonstrates its qualities when it is sufficiently ripe.
Limnio
The Limnio grape variety is the oldest red grape variety on the island of Limnos. Aristotle and other ancient writers already made reference to it. Today, it is cultivated in Limnos, as well as in Halkidiki and, more generally, in Northern Greece, producing remarkable wines with a bright red colour and a bouquet combining the exotic aroma of violets after rain with the fragrance of cherries.
Malagouzia
This exquisite Greek white grape variety is very likely related to the famous Malvasia wine of the Middle Ages. It escaped oblivion thanks to the foresight of certain Greek producers who believed in its potential.
The praise of critics and the enthusiastic response of consumers proved them right. Malagouzia wines have an intense bouquet reminiscent of muscat, with a slightly spicy aftertaste.
Debina
A white grape variety from Epirus, mainly cultivated in Zitsa, in the Ioannina regional unit. It produces predominantly fruity wines. Their refreshing acidity is characteristic. The Debina variety can also be used to produce sparkling wines.
Xinomavro
The fine red grape variety of Northern Greece. Well suited to continental climates, it is cultivated more widely than any other variety in Greece. The grapes have a pronounced acidic taste, even when ripe.
The charismatic Xinomavro rightfully occupies a very high position in the hierarchy of Greek grape varieties. Its unique character and qualities promise memorable experiences for any true wine connoisseur who, from the very first sip, will recognise that they are tasting a remarkable and distinctive wine.
Savvatiano
The grape variety of Central Greece and, above all, Attica. It produces wines with a bouquet of yellow fruit and low acidity. The most famous of all: retsina!
Cheers…
The wine production of Greece has been -and continues to be- one of the largest, most important and most impressive wine productions across the world. Not only enjoyed by the lucky locals, the Greek wine varieties are also being exported across the international markets, reaching distant civilizations and gaining praise, recognition and multiple awards. Apart from the up-and-coming Greek varieties and their flagships (Assyrtiko, Moschofilero, Agiorgitiko and Xinomavro) there are also practically hundreds of other Greek grape varieties.
Here is a guide to the most popular Greek wine varietals you should make sure to try when visiting Greece!
Agiorgitiko
King of the red grapes in the Peloponnese, Agiorgitiko is cultivated in Nemea. It produces wines that are deep red in colour, with a pronounced gooseberry and blackberry flavor, and a rich, mature, velvety, luscious texture. The soft new Agiorgitiko wines are fruit-forward and are enjoyed at an early age. However, there is a potential for long-term cellaring (5-10 years).
Assyrtiko
Assyrtiko is the noblest white variety found in Greek vineyards, and its cultivation is centred in the Cyclades. However, it has successfully migrated to Halkidiki, Epanomi, Drama and the Pangeo Mountain in Northern Greece, as well as to the Peloponnese. It maintains its high acidity even in full ripeness. Its wines are rich and refreshing with crispy acidity and excellent minerality. The aromas of the wine remind us of citrus, lemon blossoms, orange peel and grapefruit.
Athiri
This is another white grape found on the islands in the Southern Aegean and in Halkidiki in Eastern Macedonia. The wine is characterized by a mild aroma of citrus and yellow fruits.
Debina
A white variety from Epirus, with its cultivation centred in Zitsa, in the Ioannina Prefecture. Its wines place emphasis on fruit. They are characterized by their refreshing acidity. Debina has the potential to produce effervescent wines.
Liatiko
An exclusive Cretan grape, Liatiko is considered to be one of the oldest Greek varieties. It matures in July, hence its name, which is an abridement of “Juliatiko”. Liatiko is a variety with high alcohol potential that best demonstrates its qualities when it is sufficiently ripe.
Limnio
The Limnio grape variety is the oldest red grape variety on the island of Limnos. Aristotle and other ancient writers already made reference to it. Today, it is cultivated in Limnos, as well as in Halkidiki and, more generally, in Northern Greece, producing remarkable wines with a bright red colour and a bouquet combining the exotic aroma of violets after rain with the fragrance of cherries.
Malagouzia
This exquisite Greek white grape variety is very likely related to the famous Malvasia wine of the Middle Ages. It escaped oblivion thanks to the foresight of certain Greek producers who believed in its potential.
The praise of critics and the enthusiastic response of consumers proved them right. Malagouzia wines have an intense bouquet reminiscent of muscat, with a slightly spicy aftertaste.
Debina
A white grape variety from Epirus, mainly cultivated in Zitsa, in the Ioannina regional unit. It produces predominantly fruity wines. Their refreshing acidity is characteristic. The Debina variety can also be used to produce sparkling wines.
Xinomavro
The fine red grape variety of Northern Greece. Well suited to continental climates, it is cultivated more widely than any other variety in Greece. The grapes have a pronounced acidic taste, even when ripe.
The charismatic Xinomavro rightfully occupies a very high position in the hierarchy of Greek grape varieties. Its unique character and qualities promise memorable experiences for any true wine connoisseur who, from the very first sip, will recognise that they are tasting a remarkable and distinctive wine.
Savvatiano
The grape variety of Central Greece and, above all, Attica. It produces wines with a bouquet of yellow fruit and low acidity. The most famous of all: retsina!
Cheers…