Why only Greek wine is sold in Greece. Winemaking in Greece: history and modern regions

What is remarkable: in the homeland of Dionysus, according to statistics, the largest percentage of alcohol consumption per capita in Europe, and at the same time the lowest level of alcoholism. But, as is often the case, we got carried away. Our goal today is to talk about popular Greek wines.

Wines from white grapes

Retsina

Perhaps the most famous Greek wine, whose history dates back to very ancient times. The name of the wine comes from the Greek word "resin", which already allows us to judge the use of this ingredient in the production process. The tradition of using resin is associated with the use of amphoras among the ancient Greeks and the need to hermetically pack them. A mixture of gypsum and resin was considered ideal for this: this way the wine was stored longer and saturated pleasant aroma. In addition, resin was often added to the wine itself: this prevented souring and gave the drink healing properties. Currently, in order to give the wine a characteristic aroma and taste, resin is added during fermentation, and removed at the end of it.

Retsina is white or - less often - pink. Its fortress is 11.5% of turnover. Retsina is recommended to be served chilled to 7-9C with richly seasoned dishes.

The tradition of using resin is associated with the use of amphoras among the ancient Greeks and the need to hermetically pack them.

Assyrtiko

This wine has a devoted army of admirers, many of whom regard Assyrtiko as the most refined Greek wine. Assyrtiko is a white wine with pleasant taste and aroma. The drink is made from the grape variety of the same name, the second name of which is "King of Santorini". But don't let the mention of Santorini fool you - this wine is produced in Greece in other regions too.

Assyrtiko goes well with seafood and fatty sauces, and the recommended serving temperature is slightly higher than that of Retsina - 10-15C.

Robola

Probably, someone will remember this wine from the movie "Captain Corelli's Mandolin" - then there was even a surge in sales of this drink. Indeed, Robola is also a very popular Greek wine, which is made from grapes cultivated in Central Greece, the Peloponnese and the Ionian Islands. At the same time, the Robola variety from the Ionian Islands is considered the most successful. Late harvest robola determines strong wines With high content alcohol. From less mature grapes, a sparkling wine with a lemon flavor and a pleasant aroma is obtained.

Wine made from pink grapes

Moschofilero

The most famous Moschofilero is made in the Peloponnese. It is characterized by a persistent taste, sourness, delicate fragrance citrus and flowers.

Wines from red grapes

Agiorgitiko

The birthplace of Agiorgitiko is the Peloponnese. It is one of the most common grape varieties in Greece and is grown in Nemea (near Corinth) and in the east of the Peloponnese. It is believed that the style of this wine is very dependent on the altitude of the vineyard, and the height of 450-650 meters above sea level allows you to achieve the most harmonious taste.

Wines from Agiorgitiko are different: from light without pronounced qualities to complex flavor bouquets. The usual alcohol content in wines from this variety is 12.5%.

The birthplace of Agiorgitiko is the Peloponnese. It is one of the most common grape varieties in Greece and is grown in Nemea (near Corinth) and in the east of the Peloponnese.

Mandilaria

Mandilaria is considered an industrial grape variety, but the wines made from it are very, very popular. The specificity of the Mandilaria allows you to get wine very rich color. Often this grape variety is also used as an integral part of the bouquet for the production of other wines. Mandilaria wine is characterized by a low alcohol content and a significant level of acidity.

Mavrodafni

The Mavrodafni grape variety is grown in the northwest of the Peloponnese, as well as the Ionian Islands. The word "Mavro" in Greek means black, and the wines obtained from Mavrodafni are distinguished by a dark red, almost opaque color.

It is generally a sweet wine containing flavors of caramel, coffee, chocolate, resin and flowers. It goes very well with chocolate desserts.

Also, the Mavrodafni grape variety is used as a component in the manufacture of other wines.

Crete produces 1/5 of the total number of Greek wines, and the vineyards of the island occupy the largest area - about 50,000 hectares! The production of wine on the island of Crete is approximately one million hectoliters per year, so it is a must to try real Cretan wine on the island!

Cretan wines

Wines on the island of Crete have been produced since ancient times, and the first Greek wine dates back to 6500 BC!

By the way, in 2012 the prestigious international newspaper "Financial Times" prepared a list of the 100 best red wines .. And what place did Cretan red wine take in it, do you think? Second! The experts rated highest quality grapes and the maturity of their aroma, as well as the unique harmonious combination grape varieties Kotsivali and Mandilaria grown in Crete.

When purchasing Cretan wine in one of the supermarkets of Crete, you will find big choice local wines, and the price per bottle will be around 4-10 Euro per bottle.

Wines Kretikos Boutari

Wines

Wines

Wine House Wine

Wine Sitia

Greek wine from Athos

We will offer a bonus favorite wine Putin's IVF FEEDER, produced on Athos!

Wine from local monasteries

By the way, the monks make wine not only on Athos, but also on Crete. So, in some large monasteries they sell good wines, for example, in the monastery of Agia Triada. Sometimes the products of monasteries can also be found Duty Free, for example, in Heraklion. The price for a bottle is from 7 Euro and more.

Wine as a gift

If the question arose about buying a bottle of wine as a gift, then you can buy it as Home wine as well as in the supermarket. They say that local wine may not survive, although it is usually tastier. That is why it is better to buy in one of the many supermarkets. In principle, Cretan wine can be purchased in many tourist shops and stores, but in our opinion, buying in a large supermarket will be more reliable.

As we have already said, the cost for a bottle of local wine will be in the region of 4-10 Euros per bottle.

Wine tourism

On the island of Crete, there are specialized excursion programs during which you visit wineries and taste local wine. However, you can go to your favorite winery on your own. Many tourists advise not to take a tour from your travel company, but to find an excursion either at a local bureau, or just go by yourself .. Most likely it will be cheaper, richer and more interesting!

And here is the advice of seasoned tourists who are in love with this wonderful island: try everything, because in Greece, perhaps, the richest selection of wines, more than anywhere else! Someone likes one, someone else, just find your taste!

Greece is the birthplace of European winemaking. On the island of Crete, grapes have been cultivated for four thousand years, on mainland Greece - three thousand.

In ancient Greece, the beginning of the harvest was dedicated to the Holidays - Dionysius. It was a time of crazy dancing and wild fun. Dionysus, or Bacchus, marched with a cheerful retinue, consisting of goat-footed satyrs and Bacchantes. Wine flowed like a river. Bacchus honored, mainly, the common people. The God-liberator gave them oblivion from worries and sorrows.

It must be said that wine in Hellenic times in pure form did not use. It was diluted with water at the rate of 1 part wine + 3 parts water. Mixing parts equal in volume was considered the lot of "bitter drunkards".

Athenian statesman Eubulus in 375 BC so he said about the measure in the use of wine: "I must mix three cups: one for health, the second for love and pleasure, the third - for good sleep. After drinking three cups, wise guests go home. The fourth cup is no longer ours, it belongs to violence; the fifth - to noise; the sixth - to drunken revelry; the seventh - to black eyes; furniture."

Today in Greece, more than 1.5 million hectares of land are occupied by vineyards. About 500 million liters of wine are produced annually, of which half is imported. In the vineyards there are local varieties that have been cultivated since ancient times, as well as imported new varieties.

Wines from white grape varieties Retsina

The most famous and ancient Greek wine. To date, this is the only wine that has a strong aroma and taste of resin (retsina in Greek means resin). The name is associated with the ancient tradition of hermetically sealing amphoras with wine with a mixture of gypsum and resin. So the wine was stored longer and absorbed the smell of resin. Nowadays, resin is specially added to this wine at the fermentation stage. It would be more correct to say that Retsina does not belong to the category of wines. This is a white or pink drink with a strength of 11.5 for everyday use. Drink chilled, served with appetizers.

Assyrtiko

Undoubtedly, this is the most refined Greek variety. white grapes, perhaps one of the best in the entire Mediterranean. This variety is the "king of Santorini". On the island's volcanic rocks, grapes grow, from which wines of a rare composition of mineral elements, wine mass and acidity are produced. In other areas of Greece, this wine is more aromatic, but less strong.

The question of the origin of Muscat wines from Greece remains open. Muscat varieties are traditionally used to make sweet white wines, both natural and deliberately accentuated. Made in oak barrels, Samos Muscat wine can be bottle-aged for decades. This is one of the finest wines in the world. Dry muscat wine - exclusively nice drink in summer time.

In terms of quality, it is the most remarkable grape variety of the Ionian Islands, despite the fact that this grape is cultivated in the Peloponnese and Central Greece (the similarity of the name with Ribolla Gialla of southeastern Italy is accidental). After a late harvest, the Robola variety produces strong, high-alcohol wines. From less mature grapes, a wine of more sparkling quality and a pleasant aroma and taste of lemon is obtained.

SAVATIANO

The most widespread cultivated grape variety in Greece. For decades, this variety has been used to produce retsina. Although tree resin has been used in the past to add color to the often acidic Savatiano wines, carefully grown grapes can produce wines that are bright, full-bodied, aromatic.

WINES FROM ROSE GRAPE VARIETIES

MOSCHOFILERO

Moschofilero wines are distinguished by their round, light body, pronounced acidity, floral aroma, and lightness, which makes it hard to believe that the wine is made in one of the Mediterranean countries. Some varieties of foamy wine are highly promising. The most significant brand of moschofilero is Mantinea (a city located in the very center of the Peloponnese).

WINES FROM RED GRAPE VARIETIES

AGIORGITIKO

This is the most significant of the grape varieties grown in Nemea. It produces wine of various varieties - from light, without a pronounced character, to dark red, complex composition in oak barrels, amazing taste. The grapes of this variety have a bright taste, aroma, delicate softness and slight remarkable acidity.

Limno grapes are mentioned by the ancient Greek poet Hesiod, although to say whether we are really talking about a variety that is now in Greece. This grape is grown in northern Greece and on the island of Lemnos. It has a dense mass and a high alcohol content. It makes a wonderful bouquet with Bordeaux varieties, especially from the Kavala and Drama regions.

MANDILARY

This very important red grape variety is cultivated widely throughout Greece due to its ability to produce wines of exceptionally rich color, as well as component bouquet. Wines made exclusively from this variety are characterized by low alcohol content, significant acidity and low levels of fruit.

MAVRODAPHNI

Cultivated in the northwestern part of the Peloponnese and the Ionian Islands. Traditionally used in the manufacture of sweet red fortified wines, mainly the Patras and Rio brands. rich color and aroma. Dry wine from this variety to make an excellent component to other varieties of wine - Cabernet, Sauvignon and Agiorgitiko.

Other common Greek wines: Naoussa (red), Rapsani (red), Tsantali (red and white), Nemea (dry red), Mantinia (dry white with fruity aroma).

Macedonia

Today, Macedonia is one of the best and oldest wine-producing regions in Greece, although the area has recently experienced a decline in production. Now they are betting on wine: they are mastering new technologies, developing ecotourism and organizing tasting tours. Young wine in Macedonia is necessarily attached to all dishes in restaurants, in particular, attention should be paid to wines Naousa. Xinomavro is the main pride of local winemakers and all of Macedonia. Although this variety is considered the most common in Greece, it is the Macedonian wine from Xinomavro that is considered the best. Many compare it to Pinot Noir, and the ruby ​​color and rich bouquet of aromas allowed Xinomavro to take its rightful place in the Greek wine industry. Other areas of Macedonia (Goumenissa, Halkidiki) specialize in Roditis and Assyrtiko varieties.

Epirus

Epirus, a region with dozens of wine brands. Mountains covered with forests have become a haven for the highest vineyards in Greece. And this means that ready drinks acquire a special flavor. The town of Zitsa, surrounded by vineyards, is famous for its delicious wine. The grape varieties cultivated here must withstand low temperatures due to the high mountainous location of Zitsa. The most common variety in this area is Debina - it copes with the peculiarities of the local climate. Debina has been cultivated in Zits since the 16th century, and the wine from it gets an excellent fresh taste reminiscent of peach and pear. Metsovo is another place in Epirus where you should go for wine. Here, for the first time in Greece, they began to cultivate Cabernet Sauvignon, and now it has the glory of the wine capital of the country. In addition, they produce great cheeses, which will be an excellent accompaniment to the drink.

Crete

Crete accounts for the lion's share of all Greek wine production. Hot summers, moderate climate in winter and sea air give local drinks a harmonious taste that cannot be confused with any other. by the most popular varieties in Crete, Vilana with lemon notes, Mandilari - an ancient Cretan variety, Liatico are considered. The latter is more common in Lassithi and is used for the production of both sweet and dry wines. By the way, to obtain sweet wine, Liatico grapes are languished in the sun, and then a drink is produced without alcohol. This technology gives the wine an intense fruity aroma. Going to Crete for wine It is worth remembering that each of the regions has its own characteristics. For example, Pesa produces dry red and white wines, Dafnes produces only red sweet wine, Sitia produces both dry and dessert wines. You can taste drinks in the major wineries of Crete: Miliarakis, Butari, Pesa Union.

Peloponnese

An important place among the wine regions of Greece is occupied by the Peloponnese - it is here that the largest number vineyards. Homer also appreciated the products of the city of Nemea, in which the ancient traditions of production are still observed. Under the brand of the same name, some of the highest quality red wines of the Peloponnese are produced here with deep color, velvety taste and complex aromas. Mandinia is another popular wine travel destination. This area in the Peloponnese is known more late dates ripening grapes, as well as cool winters. Among the varieties of Mandinia dominates Moschofilero- grapes that fill the drink with freshness. It has been cultivated here for centuries, and the resulting drink goes well with seafood. Achaia Region contributes to the Peloponnesian winemaking: high-quality dessert wines are produced here. For them in Achaia they grow variety Mavrodafni, which gives the drink a deep dark color and rich taste resins, caramels and flowers. It is worth trying the wines of Laconia. Only in this area is the Kidonica grape cultivated, which produces fresh white wines with quince flavor.

Samos

ABOUT wines of Samos even ancient philosophers spoke positively, who also admired the fertility of the local soil. Muscat wines were considered especially popular, which the inhabitants of the Mediterranean loved for their pleasant sweet taste. In pagan times, pilgrims came to Samos - it was they who spread rumors about the extraordinary wine of the island. However, only in the 20th century a union of winemakers was formed here and the industry experienced a new birth. One of the modern local drinks simply called Samos. This popular wine has a "golden" color and an intense fruity aroma. Wine Anthemis- another famous variety. The wines obtained from it are aged in barrels for five years. Ripening, Anthemis acquires amber and a taste reminiscent of a mixture of toffee and honey. Samos Nectar is considered the softest drink of the island, with an intense aroma and a relatively low level of alcohol.

Thessaly

Thessaly boasts developed opportunities for wine tourism. The fertile Thessalian plain and hills have allowed the locals to practice viticulture since time immemorial. There is even a legend that Hercules himself drank Thessalian wine. Now the most famous vineyards are Rapsani, which cultivate Xinomavro, popular throughout Greece, as well as local varieties Krasato for wines with a dark ruby ​​hue and the rare Stavroto. But on Mesenicola vineyards(near Lake Plastira) it is worth going at least for the unique variety Mavro Mesenikola. This is a unique grape that Thessaly inherited from the Venetians and has become an exclusive local variety. However, Mavro Mesenicola is often blended with foreign varieties to produce Mesenicola wine. However, this does not interfere with enjoying the harmonious aroma of the drink.

Greece rightfully bears the title of the birthplace of European winemaking. Some indigenous grape varieties are over four thousand years old. In addition to sustainable and unusual varieties, Greece has its own 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 of 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 - best drinks from the Ionian Islands are made from the Robola variety. These grapes produce strong, full-bodied, still and sparkling wine with lemon flavor. To obtain strong alcohol, 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 more are grown in the country. different varieties white grapes. 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.

It is important to know!

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2 Retsina - folk wine

The Greek wine Retsina deserves special attention. The word retsina is translated from Greek like "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 make authentic Retsina wine, wood 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 by 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 the most variety of options performance - and how elite drink, And How 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 production. rose wine. For wines from this grape is characteristic low acidity, red fruits and plums are well audible on the palate.
• Limno is considered the best variety technical grapes 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.