Anyone who knows me is aware that an integral part of my life revolves around wine journeys around Greece. Through these exploratory and exciting excursions across the country I have discovered that there are many vineyards that are absolute must-visit places for wine enthusiasts. It is only through travel that one can gain an optimal understanding of grapes, wines and the viticulture of each different wine-producing region. Most winemakers want people to see and learn about their ‘work’ and endeavours. An added plus is that through such wine journeys one also gets to experience the local gastronomy of each place.
However, since we do not all have the time or means to regularly travel far and wine, the next best thing is to try the wines themselves and travel through the palate. In this article, written exclusively for Travel.gr, I am presenting a selection of Greek wines that best reflect their regions and varieties of origin. Compiling this list was somewhat of a challenge because thoughout Greece, new and noteworthy efforts are constantly emerging, with more and more excellent regional wines being produced – so watch this space for future updates! But for now, I can confidently say that the wines listed here are each representative of the place they are produced in, and aptly reflect the top wine regions. Try them and share them with loved ones, because wine should bring us together, not divide us. As I do at Herve restaurant, where I am the sommelier, I have also offered ideal food pairing suggestions.
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Moschofilero – Bosinakis 2022, Messinia, Peloponnese
From Mantinia, the ‘mother’ region for Moschofilero, we’ll find floral elements like rose, lemon blossom, and green fruits, with a musky lemon fragrance. Pair it with a sea bass ceviche or fried small fish.
Malagousia – Argiriou Winery 2022, Mt Parnassos, Central Greece
Grown in the foothills of Mount Parnassus, this is one of the most delicious Malagousia wines with aromas of nectarine and apricot, along with notes of mango and lime. Serve it alongside a pasta with mussels and plenty of lemon.
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Roditis – Edanos Winery 2021, Ahaia, Peloponnese
A high-altitude Roditis from the small and beautiful village of Kalamia in Aigialeia. Mineral, lemony, and crisp, it’s well suited to everything from green salads to various Greek meze dishes.
Savatiano Vientzi 2020 Papagiannakos Estate, Markopoulo, Attica
Vasilis Papagiannakos and the new generation of the winery produce one of my favourite Savatiano wines. From 60-year-old vines, this wine offers pear and banana aromas in its youth, developing mineral and smoky notes with age. Perfect with charcoal-grilled beef.
Assyrtiko Gavalas Santorini 2020, Santorini
An exceptional Santorini wine with citrus peel and flint stone aromas, along with some herbal notes. Pair it with a lemony oven-baked lamb.
Vidiano Enstikto – Daskalaki Estate 2021, Crete
In Dafnes, Heraklion, one of the most gastronomic wines that has spent some months in barrels. A Vidiano with body and richness, it’s easily paired with a lobster pasta.
Unicorn – Domaine Moussas 2020 Mouchtaro, Viotia, N. Attica
From Askri, Viotia, from a vineyard that is almost 100 years old. The Zacharia family produces a great red wine; only 500 bottles, aged 12 months in French oak barrels, it offers a high concentration of forest fruits, black fruits, vanilla, smoke, earthy elements, and some herbal notes. It perfectly matches Hunkiar Beyendi, a rich lamb dish with bechamel cream.
Liatiko Grand Reserve Dafnes – Douloufakis Winery Liatiko, Crete
The first 18 months in barrels and then 30 months in the bottle is no small feat (good things take time to mature). With aromas of blackberries, dried red fruits, leather, smoke. A balance between tannins and acidity. A great red Cretan wine that pairs with spetzofai, olive oil-based dishes, and aged yellow cheeses.
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Nemea Old Vines – Mitravelas Agiorgitiko, Nemea, Peloponnese
A premium Nemea from Konstantinos Mitravelas, aged 12 months in barrels from 60-year-old vines. It offers refreshing acidity, juicy tannins, with aromas of red cherries and strawberries with sweet spices, and smoky elements. Pair it with a chicken cooked in wine with hilopites pasta and mizithra cheese.
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Panochori Old Vines – Sarris Winery Robola 2021, Kefalonia
Old vines, 700 meters above sea level, from a dry vineyard in Fayias. It stays a little in old barrels, offering herbal lemony aromas and flint stone with refreshing acidity. Complement it with a grouper tartare with capers and a citrus sauce.
Founti Estate Red 2017 Xinomavro, Naoussa, Peloponnese
From Naoussa, a typical Xinomavro aged 12 months in French oak barrels and 12 months in the bottle. Aromas of tomato paste, olive, unripe red fruits, and allspice. The best pairing with game will be unforgettable.
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Kydonitsa Mature 2019 – Monemvasia Winery, Monemvasia
George Tsibidis’ new creation (near Monemvasia) stays a few months with the lees. It’s a different expression of Kydonitsa, with aromas of dried flowers and quince, chamomile, and a mineral profile. Pair it with cod, salsify, celery root, king oyster mushrooms and Cretan staka butter or a smoked mussel broth.
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Taos – Parparoussis Winery Mavrodaphne 2015, Patras
I met Thanasis Parparoussis shortly before he passed away, speaking with passion and love for Mavrodaphne. I realised that this grape variety could create wonders from dry to sweet wines. It is a dry Mavrodaphne, with aromas of eucalyptus, mint, black chocolate, and black cherries. Match it with a wild boar stew with mavrodaphne sauce and you’ll be amazed.
Domaine Argyros – Vinsanto Late Release 2002 Assyrtiko, Aidani, Athiri 2002, Santorini
After fermenting, the special Santorini wine matures for three years in concrete tanks and then ages for 16 years in old wooden casks. Aromas of coffee, mocha, dried figs, and plums, with a nutty character, make it a perfect pairing with baklava or blue cheese.”
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