Legend of Greece wine. Greek wines are a gift from the gods

Greece rightfully bears the title of the birthplace of European winemaking. Some indigenous grape varieties are over four thousand years old. In addition to resistant and unusual varieties, Greece has its own well-established rules and technologies for the production of alcohol, unlike any other. Thanks to them, Greek wines continue to hold their positions in the world.

1 White blood of Greece

White wines from Greece deserve the closest attention. Most white grape varieties have been around for over 4,000 years. Old age is one of the success factors of these drinks. Let's talk about the brightest representatives of white grape varieties and wines from them.

• Assyrtiko or King of Santorini is recognized as one of the most refined grape varieties in the country. Grapes are grown on volcanic soils, which give alcohol from it a special mineral taste, the necessary level of acidity and high strength.
• Robola - the best drinks from the Ionian Islands are made from the Robola variety. This grape produces strong, full-bodied, still and sparkling wines with a touch of lemon. To get strong drinks, this grape variety is allowed to rest a little on the vines. To get the basis for a sparkling and young still drink, the berry is picked a little unripe.
• Vilana is a grape variety grown on the island of Crete. Wine made from Vilana grapes has a pronounced citrus flavor. Dry wine from this variety is distinguished by a balanced content of acid and sugar.

In addition to the three presented above, a couple of dozen different varieties of white grapes are grown in the country. Greek white wines can be made from a single grape variety or mixed with different bases. A distinctive feature of all white Greek wines can be considered a balanced acidity and an unusual mineral flavor background.

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2 Retsina - folk wine

The Greek wine Retsina deserves special attention. The word retsina is translated from Greek as "resin". Sounds unusual, doesn't it? The point here is that in ancient times, wine materials were aged in clay amphoras. The material of the amphora was porous and contributed to the strong oxidation of the drink, which they tried to avoid in every possible way. Treating amphoras with resin helped to increase their tightness. When barrels replaced amphora, winemakers were surprised to find that their favorite technology began to give very different results. The explanation was found quickly - resin was excluded from the cooking process.

In order to prepare authentic Retsina wine, tree resin was added to it at the fermentation stage - its quantity and type are strictly regulated.

The production technology of this drink is legally assigned to Greece. It is made from Savatiano grapes. Savatiano is almost the most widespread technical grape variety in the country. His homeland is Attica. Retsina may be.

Retsina is sold at an affordable price, in Greece this wine was nicknamed "wine of students". For a long time, the drink was exclusively a Greek attraction, it was not exported to other countries. However, some time ago this miscalculation was corrected. Now Retsina is also found in Russian-speaking countries. Its quality is on average slightly lower than in Greece. Although in the country itself you can find this wine in a wide variety of versions - both as an elite drink and as a cheap wine for students.

3 What to choose red wine lovers?

Red grapes in the vastness of Greece are grown a little more than white ones. Their variety is great, as well as the variety of wines made from them.

• Agiorgitiko is the most widespread technical grape variety. It is used to make red sweet, semi-sweet, semi-dry and dry wines. It is also used in the production of rosé wine. The wines from this grape are characterized by low acidity, red fruits and plums are well heard in the taste.
• Limgno is considered the best technical grape variety for the production of strong red wines. Drinks from this grape variety are rich and aromatic. Wine materials are often mixed with Bordeaux varieties.
• Mavrodafni are grown in the Peloponnese and the Ionian Islands. The wine from this grape is almost black, the natural enzyme in the skin of the berry is so strong. The taste is rich, but not as dense as it seems at first glance.

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rich in many varieties and a limitless range to choose from.

As an aperitif

Sun-dried grapes form the basis of sweet wines produced throughout Greece. Taste world famous wine Santorini Vinsanto, made by mixing Assyrtiko and Edani varieties. The famous vinsanto, juicy sweet wine, made from sun-dried grapes and aged for at least three years. A good vinsanto, however, may be over a century old. Vinsanto wines (the name means "wine from Santorini" and not "holy wine", as in the case of the eponymous "Vinsanto" from Italy) have a hint of caramel and toffee with dried fruits, which allows them to accompany them with all sorts of sweets, especially chocolate. But the uniqueness of the Vinsanto wine lies in the individual characteristics of the Assyrtiko grape. Unlike other sweet Greek wines, the Vinsantos from Santorini have a characteristic freshness due to the natural acidity of Assyrtiko.

Along with the main course

Let flirtatious Greek wine help create the perfect atmosphere for you and your couple.

. "Xinomavro": the finest red grape variety of Northern Greece. Depending on the ripening time, it covers a wide range of flavors and shades of red. Xinomavro is one of the stars of Greek vineyards. This is a capricious, demanding and difficult variety to grow and make wine. The grape is capable of producing wines of stunning character and personality and extreme complexity, with a smooth blend of intense extract and simple finesse.

. "Agioritiko" or "Mavro Nemeas": originally from the Peloponnese peninsula, this red wine must have been the favorite wine of the mythical king Agamemnon. With its dark red color, rich aroma and velvety taste, it is ideal for red meats and sauces. With a pronounced aroma of blackcurrant and blackberry, rich, mature, velvety and juicy texture, the soft young wines of Agioritiko have a fruity bouquet and a pleasant taste without long exposure. Nevertheless, the infrastructure is also developed for long-term storage in cellars (5-10 years).

. "Mavrotragano": an old red variety "Santorini", which was brought back to life relatively recently. With a fruity taste, deep color and medium sharpness, it is distinguished by its high strength.

. "Athiri": the white charm of the Aegean. Its yellowish color with greenish sparks and a delicate fruity taste make the wine suitable for drinking with a variety of dishes. Lovely floral and tantalizing aromas whet your appetite. Produced on the islands of the southern Aegean and on Chalkidiki , in eastern Macedonia.

. "Assyrtiko": Despite the fact that Assyrtiko is cultivated on many islands, it reaches the pinnacle of its originality on. Quite successfully, he migrated to Chalkidiki, Epanomi, Drama and Mount Pangeo in Northern Greece, as well as to the Peloponnese. The island's volcanic nature has endowed it with aromas ranging from citrus fruits and apples to honey, raisins and incense. The variety has high acidity even at full ripeness. Wines made from it are rich in taste and refreshing. The palette of aromas consists of citrus fruits, lemon blossom, orange peel and grapefruit.

. "Moschofilero": archaeological finds prove its age-old connection with the region of Arcadia. It is a versatile variety used to make a range of wines from dry to fruity sparkling, also known as Blanc de Gris, meaning that its skin color can range from light pink to deep purple. Dry white wine "Mantinia" is the most famous of all the wines of this grape variety.

. "Robola": One of the most elegant Greek varieties. Produces a fairly strong and tangy white wine with citrus aromas, best suited for serving young. Combine it with seafood, preferably in the homeland of grapes - the island.

. "Savvatiano": Probably the most common Greek grape variety for wine production, with a history of more than 2,500 years. The yellow-green flesh leaves a peach, lemon, kiwi, banana, melon and strawberry flavor with very low acidity. It is the basis for the famous Retsina wine.

Dessert wines

. « Muscat": Although "muscat" ("moschato" in Greek) is grown in several places, the grape has historically been associated with the sweet, straw-colored wines of Samos. The Muscats of Samos are rich, dense and concentrated wines with aromas of apples and pears.

. "Mavrodafni": After 2-8 years of maturation, this red wine is brought from and. Vanilla, cherry, dried fruit and chocolate make up the spirit of this widely exported variety.
One of the Greek wines that, combined with your charm, will turn any dinner into an unforgettable evening. It's good that such an experience can always be repeated!

It cannot be said that in Greece wine is as popular as in Italy or France, but nevertheless, there are quite a lot of vineyards in the country and wine lovers will have plenty to choose from (fortunately, the climate is suitable for wine production). The most popular wine in Greece is retsina, which is also called the “folk wine of Greece”. This drink has many opponents and supporters, but it is he who, first of all, is offered to tourists in Greek taverns. The name of this drink is translated as resin and it is connected not with some sort of grapes, but with the process of wine production. During the fermentation process, pine resin is added to the wine, thanks to which it acquires an unusual aroma. This method of making wine was used back in ancient Greece (due to the presence of resin, the wine acquires a slight bitterness). Pine resin has been used for its healing properties, especially in terms of heart and stomach ailments. Wine advantage is made from white grapes. Due to its low cost, this drink is especially popular among students. The production of this drink in any other country in the world is prohibited. This wine is best suited to fish and seafood dishes.

Assyrtiko wine is considered to be the most exquisite wine of Greece. This is a white wine that belongs to the category of dry, but it is not the dry wine (sour) that we have in our understanding. The wine has a pleasant grape-citrus aroma. This wine is made from the grape variety of the same name, which is grown throughout Greece. But the grapes grown in Santorini are best suited. The wine turns out not only strong, but also thick in consistency, which is explained by the presence of volcanic ash in the soil.

Of the red wines, you should pay attention to the Agiorgitiko wine, which is one of the ancient wines and is made from a grape variety called Nemea. This grape variety is grown only in some parts of the country and has a ruby ​​color. The taste of wine directly depends on aging and on the area in which the vineyards are located. The young wine has a distinct fruity taste. This wine is stored either in oak barrels or in glass bottles. Wine is considered universal and goes well with any dish.

The wine, which is made from the Mandilaria grape variety, differs from other wines in its rich red color, the aroma of ripe fruit, and also the low alcohol content. This wine is considered ladies', but is also popular among men.

Greece can be safely attributed to the number of wine-producing countries, and the wines listed above are only a part of a wide range. It is best to buy wines in supermarkets or in shops with the name "Kava". In such places you can not worry about the quality of wine. If you visit the wine-producing regions, then you can buy wine almost everywhere. Not always the popularity of the brand indicates the quality of the wine. It is not uncommon for a little-known wine from some private winery to be no worse in quality than that produced under a well-known brand. In any Greek tavern there is a wide selection of draft wines of different varieties.

While on excursions, you will have the opportunity to buy homemade wine, which you can taste before buying. Feel free to try and buy, the Greeks make wine from natural products and do not add any chemicals there. Greek homemade wine is not even worth comparing with the “homemade” wine that is sold in our resorts and often has nothing to do with natural wine (at best, it is fixed with alcohol). Instead of buying various trinkets on vacation, it is better to bring a bottle of good Greek wine as a gift or souvenir.

The question about Greek wine is surprising to many. “Yes, I was in Greece, I had a rest, but I don’t know anything about Greek wine.” Let's figure out what Greek wines are, which wine is worth trying and which is not, where and how to choose the right Greek wine, where to buy it.

Greece produces just a huge number of varieties of wine (more than 500 varieties): every island, every region, every village in Greece produces its own wine. Trying them all is simply unrealistic. Let's highlight the most interesting Greek wines that you should definitely try.

Greek wine varieties to try

1. “For an amateur” - this is the assessment most often received by the most popular Greek wine Retsina (Retsina). Russian tourists often call it "rubber": both for the consonance of the names, and for the characteristic resinous aroma and taste.

This white wine, 11.5% ABV, is said to be the oldest in Greece. After the correct Retsina, a slight chill should remain on the tongue, it is pleasantly refreshing. It is produced throughout the country, but the most famous producers of Retsina are Achaia-Clauss, Botrys, Boutari, Cambas and Koutrakis.

Beginners who are just trying this drink are advised to buy Achaia-Clauss wine - it has the least resininess.

But not everyone will like homemade versions of Retsina with a pronounced resinous taste. It is better to choose the lightest wine, it is also desirable (if possible) to smell it - a quality drink should not have too strong, grape-interrupting, resin aroma.

2. Lovers of sweeter white wine can be advised to try Robola white muscat wine, the grapes for which are grown only in Kefalonia. Traditionally, bottles with such wine are sold wrapped in burlap cases, which looks very stylish.

3. A great option for hot days is dry Muscat white wine Samos, which is made on the island of the same name. It is distinguished by a very pleasant, mild aroma and a delicate, pale yellow color. A stronger, sweet dessert wine is also produced under the same name - it looks darker, has a rich amber color.

To be sure, buy wines from the Union of Vinicultural Cooperatives of Samos (EOSS) - one of the most famous local producers.

4. As for red wines, Rapsani, which is also called the "Nectar of Olympus", occupies a leading position here. Grapes for him are grown on the slopes of Mount Olympus. This is a dry wine, it has a deep, rich color, a pronounced tart taste with a hint of currants and dried fruits.

Good wine is produced by Tsantali and Domaine Mercoury.

5. Red dry wine Vaeni Naoussa from Boutari with a tart, pleasant taste should also appeal to connoisseurs.

Proper Naoussa wine should not let the light through!

6. And finally, Malvasia is a sweet, tasty, viscous liqueur wine that is already produced throughout Greece. Very good Malvasia from the Cretan wineries Minos and Douloufakis. It is served chilled with desserts and fruits.

By the way, if you still do not know which wine to choose, buy Boutari drinks - this winery is one of the best in the country! Not inferior to the class and wine from Achaia-Clauss.

And one more thing: do not be afraid to buy packaged wines and wines bottled in plastic bottles: they have absolutely nothing to do with the product that is sold in Russian stores!

Where to buy Greek wine? Of course in Greece

Bottled Greek wines can be bought both in supermarkets and in small wine shops in Greece - the prices are about the same everywhere. If you need to find an expensive, vintage or collectible Greek wine, it is better to go to a wine store: here they will help you with advice, and they will allow you to taste the drink and, perhaps, they will give you a discount.

Look for such shops on small streets - they are called “kava” here (accent on the first syllable).

Excellent and certainly real wine can be bought during a tasting at the factory or in the wine museum. The most famous Greek wine museum is located on the island of Santorini, in Vothonas. Another one can be found at the Pnevmatikaki winery in Crete, not far from the town of Drapanias. Here, in Crete, it is worth visiting the Doouloufakis winery, which is located in the village of Dafni.

Where to Taste and Buy the Best Greek Wines

The best wine is sold directly at Greek wineries, and, according to connoisseurs, homemade wine from small productions has a very special taste and aroma that cannot be found anywhere else.

Finding such wineries is not easy: if you are traveling around Greece by car, pay attention to the Winary signs, and also explore the surroundings around the vineyards on the mountain slopes.

Very good wine can be bought at the Petrawine winery near the cities of Thessaloniki and Kalamaria - production volumes are very small here (pay attention to the white wine Ambotis - many call it the best on the peninsula). By the way, some wineries accept visitors only by prior arrangement.

You can try homemade wine in local taverns, but only in the countryside, away from tourist routes. In city taverns, in resorts where there are many tourists and everything is decorated in an exaggerated local style, you are unlikely to be served real homemade wine. No, the owner with honest eyes, clutching at his heart, will prove that he was brought only yesterday from a remote village on the slopes of a nearby mountain, but in reality it will most likely turn out to be inexpensive packaged wine from a supermarket.

When leaving Greece, do not forget to grab a few bottles of the wine you like - the wines of this country are very few exported to Russia and it is unlikely that you will be able to find a drink you like in your homeland.

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