Can't make it to Greece this summer? Channel that holiday feeling by diving into wines featuring these Greek grape varieties instead.
This Greek treasure has almost supernatural powers, teleporting you to the windswept beaches and sunny skies of Santorini island in an instant. Assyrtiko from Santorini, especially from producers like Argyros Estate, Karamolegos and Gaia, are some of the most sought after wines from Greece but equally delicious examples are found on Tinos island by T-Oinos Clos Stegasta. They are mouth-wateringly good and simply delicious with seafood. If you feel like playing it a bit safer in the beginning, Assyrtiko blended with Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc makes a wonderful marriage.
The name Xinomavro translates as “sour” and “black” in English which is clear reference to the taste and flavour profile of the grape but also to its dark skin colour The resulting wines are often compared to Nebbiolo from Piedmont and examples from Oenops, Wine Art Estate’s Idisma Drios Xi, and Noema's Invicta from Amyndeo prove that. They add a bit more Mediterranean magic via aromas of olive, tomato leaf and just the right amount of spice. Having praised its ability to be a great solo player, it does have a place in blends too; either with local varieties like Stavroto and Krassato; or international ones like Merlot. For the former, Dougos Winery is highly recommended; for the latter Spanoudis Winery with their Ventum Xinomavro & Merlot blend.
The aromatic combination of perfectly ripe peaches, honey and freshly squeezed lime sounds more like a cocktail recipe than a wine, yet this is what Malagousia so frequently delivers in spades. Supporters often find a delicate white floral and dried herbal note too, which gives a lovely firm edge to its moderate acidity. It is incredibly easy drinking. Firm favourites are made by Ktima Gerovassiliou or Ktima Zafeirakis. If you like Viognier, Grüner Veltliner or Sauvignon Blanc, this is a must-try.
A dark-skinned, early ripening variety from Crete with so much untapped potential. The captivating perfume of just ripe red fruit is supported by a touch of spice and floral notes. Despite the grapes’ dark skin, the wines often have a vibrant core colour fading to the rim, like Nebbiolo. The very best Liatikos take you gently on a journey through the forest with layers of wild strawberries, dried leaves, Mediterranean herbs and a silky, slightly earthy finish. Despite its undisputed track record of producing high quality dry red wine, Liatiko’s initial glory was and still is to craft some of Crete’s finest sweet wine. Not a one trick pony. Producers worth seeking out are Domaine Economou, Diamantakis and Douloufakis.
Not to be confused with Limnio, which is originally from the island of Limnos, Limniona is mainly found in Thessaly, a region in the central part of Greece. This late-ripening variety always reminds me of walking in Queen Mary’s Garden, the largest rose garden in London. It is not only this wonderful scent that draws you in but the silky, almost ethereal texture of these wines. The crunchy red fruit aromas of cranberry and cherry are just an additional bonus. Oenops, Dougos and the grand saviour, Zafeirakis (who rescued the variety from extinction), are just a few names to keep in mind.
But these are merely snapshots of five grape varieties – once you have a taste for Greek wines, there is lots more to discover, just think of Vidiano, Moschofilero and Robola…
