When talking about Greece, what comes to mind are some of the most historical and iconic figures or events in human history, such as the first Summer Olympics in Athens in 1896 or the impressive Acropolis in Athens, and even its Mediterranean cooking have all come together and heightened the nation’s reputation as a remarkable tourist destination. At present, though, people frequently fail to notice that Greece is one of the finest and most recognized wine providers in the world. A sad matter is that the wonderful and great-tasting wines from Greece are not patronized, and more often than not, they are overlooked.
The main advantage Greek wines have over other more popular wines on the market today, is that they are both some of the oldest yet newest wines on the market today. The country is home to over 300 decadent varieties of wine grapes, many of which cannot be found anywhere else in the world and possess elegant and fruitful flavors. The Greeks’ love affair with wine is as ancient as the Greek isles. However, war and political unrest have hindered the development and production of wine. When the seventies arrived, large numbers of Greek wines were manufactured in a workshop that also made a famous Greek spirit – the retsina. Most locals prefer this wine, but the hint of resin taste was not thoroughly appreciated by others. However, the wine’s popularity in Greek tavernas gradually extended the taste of the retsina over to tourists. Since the beginnings of that factory, the Greek wine industry has flourished, producing wines which follow suit of those once enjoyed by the Gods.
Whereas other producers of wine have followed the popular trends of producing carbon copied Chardonnays and Cabernet Sauvignon wines, Greece have instead, opted to use their own, unique grapes in order to produce wines that are like no other and are completely unique to the country, helping to make the current wine industry much more diverse. Passionate vintners may recognize the name Ksinomavro or Xinomavro, which is known as the best Greek grape. This grape only grows in Naoussa where there weather is colder and mountainous which helps to seal in the taste of the grape. This grape also goes by the name of ‘acid black.’ The flavor has hints of cherry laced with spice, and this red wine is said to taste better after 20 years.
The Peloponnese region also boasts of the Moschofilero, a white grape with a spicy flavor. With its spicy taste, this white spirit is a great aperitif and an excellent pair to faintly spiced seafood recipes. Another white wine is from the Lagorthi, a rare grape which has a hint of lime taste, and there is also the Malagousia which has a peachy flavor. White wines from Greece are generally full, fruity and refreshing. Red wines, as well, are quite popular as seen by the extensive selections of reds, which are also preferred by most Greeks. The Nemean red wines vary in taste depending on age. It can be light and fresh or plumy and spicy, depending on how old they are. Since this wine gets really better with age, you will be assured of tasting a range of flavors of piquant, woodsy and refreshing flavors. All Greek wines act as the perfect accompaniment to food so in order to fully enjoy your spicy red or fruity white, inquire as to the best wine to go with your chosen dish.
Greek wines are gaining more popularity and they are now easier to come by in western nations, like the US, and in states, such as New York and Chicago, where there are flourishing Greek populations. Yet, the best experience will be having a glass of wine while looking at the beautiful vista where the grapes are born. Picture yourself in Greece, with the scent of the Mediterranean in the air and a glass of best-tasting wine on your hand – nothing will be able to top that.
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