A Journey Through Greek Grape Varieties

Signature Greek Grape Varieties

Greek wine carries a history as ancient and complex as the country itself, rooted in native grape varieties that bring distinct character to every bottle. From the bold red tones of Agiorgitiko to the mineral depth of Assyrtiko, Greece’s classic grapes offer a glimpse into the nation’s diverse terroir and winemaking heritage. This guide introduces Greece’s emblematic grape varieties, each reflecting the landscape they thrive in and transporting wine lovers to the heart of Greece’s vineyards with every sip.

Agiorgitiko: The Versatile Red of Nemea

• Region: Nemea, Peloponnese
• Tasting Notes: Raspberry, black currant, plum, nutmeg
• Styles: Dry red, rosé, dessert wines

From the vineyards of Nemea, Agiorgitiko is a versatile red grape known for its rich fruit notes, crafting wines that range from bright and approachable to complex and age-worthy. Young Agiorgitiko wines shine with lively red berry and plum flavors, smooth tannins, and gentle acidity, while oak-aged versions reveal nutmeg and savory herbs.

Assyrtiko: The Saline and Mineral White of Santorini

• Region: Santorini, Cyclades Islands
• Tasting Notes: Citrus, flint, sea salt
• Styles: Dry white, oaked “Nykteri,” sweet “Vinsanto”

Assyrtiko thrives in Santorini’s volcanic soils and is celebrated for high acidity and mineral qualities, with flavors of lemon, flint, and a hint of sea salt. It also appears in “Nykteri,” an oak-aged style with lemon curd and fennel notes, and Vinsanto, a sweet wine with apricot and honey.

Moschofilero: The Aromatic White from Mantinia

• Region: Mantinia, Peloponnese
• Tasting Notes: Rose petal, citrus, sweet lemon
• Styles: Dry white, sparkling, rosé

From Mantinia, Moschofilero brings a floral character with notes of rose petal, citrus, and lemon. Known for its high acidity, Moschofilero suits both sparkling and still wines, while rosés reveal its aromatic depth. Its bright, refreshing profile pairs well with Mediterranean dishes like seafood and salads.

Malagousia: The Renaissance White

• Region: Central Greece and Macedonia
• Tasting Notes: Peach, lime, orange blossom
• Styles: Dry white, sweet

Once nearly forgotten, Malagousia is now celebrated for its aromas of peach, lime, and orange blossom, with a soft, full body. Malagousia’s versatile profile pairs well with salads and Mediterranean dishes, while the sweeter styles match fruit-based desserts.

Savatiano: Greece’s Reinvented Classic

• Region: Attica, Central Greece
• Tasting Notes: Green apple, honeydew, lemon
• Styles: Dry white, Retsina

Long known for its role in Retsina, Savatiano has evolved into a modern white wine, highlighting fresh, fruit-driven flavors. Oak aging adds complex notes of lemon curd and almond, making Savatiano a unique choice for seafood, mezze, and salads.

Xinomavro: The Noble Red of the North

• Region: Macedonia (Naoussa, Amyndeon, Goumenissa)
• Tasting Notes: Dark cherry, tomato, black olive
• Styles: Dry red, sparkling, rosé

Often compared to Nebbiolo, Xinomavro offers dark cherry, tomato, and olive flavors. With time in oak, Xinomavro develops subtle spice and tobacco notes. This versatile grape provides a powerful, age-worthy red that pairs with roasted meats and stews.

Other Greek Grape Varieties: A Deeper Look into Greece’s Wine Diversity

Beyond Greece’s best-known wine varieties lies a wealth of grapes unique to specific regions, each adding a distinct note to Greek wines. From the rich reds of Crete to the floral whites of Lemnos, these varieties embody tradition, climate, and regional pride.

Kotsifali: Crete’s Signature Red

Crete’s warm sun helps Kotsifali produce dark fruit aromas with soft tannins and moderate acidity. Often blended with Mandilaria, Kotsifali adds balance and body to Mediterranean-style wines, enhancing Cretan cuisine. PDO regions like Peza and Archanes showcase Kotsifali’s rich, rounded profile.

Liatiko: A Taste of Cretan Tradition

Known for rich dessert wines, Liatiko offers flavors of ripe red fruit and spice. Sun-dried versions are sweet yet balanced by acidity, while oak aging enhances its bold profile. Liatiko captures Crete’s warm climate, adding depth to its wines.

Limnio: Ancient Roots with Modern Appeal

A legacy from ancient Greece, Limnio offers red fruit and herbal notes, thriving in northern regions like Macedonia and Thrace. Its bright acidity and silky tannins give Limnio a unique, medium-bodied style, showcasing the northern Greek terroir.

Mandilaria: The Bold Expression of the Aegean Islands

Celebrated for its dark color and bold tannins, Mandilaria is often blended with Kotsifali. It lends structured, full-bodied wines with berry, leather, and spice flavors, reflecting the rugged landscapes of the Aegean islands.

Mavrodaphne: Greece’s Signature Sweet Red

Primarily found in Patras and Kefalonia, Mavrodaphne’s rich, sweet wines showcase dried plum and dark chocolate notes, while newer dry styles highlight berry and herbal flavors. Mavrodaphne’s sweet and dry versions capture the warmth of Greek tradition.

Muscat of Alexandria: A Floral Treasure from Lemnos

With a floral aroma of apricot, honey, and citrus zest, Muscat of Alexandria thrives in Lemnos’ volcanic soils. Sweet and dry expressions offer Mediterranean flavors, ideal with light fare or desserts.

Robola: A Gem from Kefalonia

Robola brings delicate acidity and minerality from Kefalonia’s rocky terrain. With crisp citrus and green apple flavors, Robola pairs perfectly with seafood, offering a refined, refreshing taste of island life.

Roditis: The Approachable Greek Staple

Light-bodied and adaptable, Roditis provides citrus and pear notes. It suits various dishes, from mezze to fish, and develops a mineral finish when grown at high altitudes, making it a versatile everyday wine.

Vidiano: Crete’s Floral Treasure

Vidiano, once overlooked, now stands as Crete’s floral white grape, with apricot, peach, and herbal aromas. With a creamy texture and fresh acidity, Vidiano pairs well with seafood and salads, reflecting Crete’s charm.

International Grape Varieties in Greece: A Global Influence on Greek Terroir

In Greece, alongside its native grapes, international grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and Chardonnay have found a foothold, particularly in regions that balance warm sunlight with cooling influences from the Aegean Sea or mountain breezes. Introduced predominantly in the late 20th century, these varieties blend harmoniously with Greece’s unique terroirs, often taking on new expressions. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot thrive in Macedonia and Central Greece, producing structured reds with hints of Mediterranean herbs, while Syrah excels in Crete, contributing spice and body to blends. Chardonnay has adapted well in cooler, higher-altitude areas, where it yields wines with vibrant acidity and rich fruit. Greek winemakers often blend these varieties with local grapes, crafting wines that marry familiar international profiles with Greece’s characteristic minerality and finesse, appealing to a global audience while maintaining a distinct Greek identity.

Embracing Greece’s Wine Heritage
Exploring Greece’s grape varieties reveals a vinous heritage where tradition meets modern winemaking. From Crete’s robust reds to Kefalonia’s delicate whites, each grape expresses Greece’s unique landscapes, climate, and culture, making Greek wine a dynamic and compelling journey.