Wines of Greece
The history of winemaking in Greece stretches back millennia to ancient times when it was linked to daily life, religious rites, and the economy. The legend goes that ancient Greeks regarded cultures that drank wine straight as barbaric, so its famous philosophers used to mix it with water during their night-long discussions to avoid becoming intoxicated. Today, while it’s still linked to daily life, Greek wine is of excellent quality and ok to enjoy on its own!
Greece is a country that consists of a mainland and numerous islands with winemaking a common activity across much of its varied terrain. It has a hot climate, but quality viniculture is enabled by the cooling influence of the sea and the elevation of vineyards. Regions that have gained international acclaim include Naoussa in the northern region of Macedonia where powerful, well-structured red wines are made from Xinomavro and Nemea in the more southerly Peloponnese vineyards where the Ayiorgitikio grape makes spicy, smooth red wines. Santorini, a former volcano island found in the Aegean Sea, is renowned for world-class white Assyrtiko wines while Crete, an island located further to the east, is building a solid reputation for red and white wines made from local grapes.
Greece boasts around 200 indigenous grapes that have developed to thrive in the heat of the country. Popular international varieties are also planted.
Greece’s wine quality system identifies wines from wide regions known as Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) labels and the more stringently produced, higher-standard styles from clearly-demarcated areas and vineyards. This latter category of wines is called Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and most must include native Greek grape varieties.