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Greek wines: dry, semi-dry
Greece is rightly called the birthplace of European winemaking. The fertile lands of Hellas are still famous for their beautiful grape varieties. In the hands of skilled craftsmen, they become amazing wines worthy of rave reviews.
Amber in a glass
Greek wine “Retsina” has been prepared since antiquity. However, then amphorae were used for this purpose, which were sealed with resin, “retsina” in Greek. Then it was added to the wine itself. So it got its name not from the grape variety, but from the manufacturing method used today. Thanks to the resin, the wine, mostly white and pink, acquires a subtle coniferous aroma and tart notes. Combine it, as a rule, with seafood and white meat.
Noble fruits
It is appropriate to mention another Greek white wine with a thousand-year history. It is made from the savvatiano grape, which is just part of the retsina blend. Although the wine itself from “savvatiano“ is incomparable. A multi-faceted bouquet with accents of citrus, melon and peach opens smoothly and imperceptibly dissolves in a long aftertaste. This drink will be a worthy aperitif or a harmonious addition to stewed vegetables and sea fish.
Volcano of Passion
The volcanic soils of the island of Santorini bring a generous harvest in the form of unique berries, from which wine is later born “Asiritiko“. It is prepared exclusively from the eponymous variety, without mixing with others, and is aged in special barrels for at least five years. That’s why it gets the perfect acidity, a unique composition of minerals and an amazing extraordinary bouquet. Poultry dishes and grilled fish with herbs will help you appreciate it.
Closer to the sun
One of the pearls of Greece — wine “Moschofilero“ from the high plateaus of the Peloponnese. This grape variety resembles white muscat and at the same time is endowed with peculiar features. The fragrance fascinates with its floral range, which is dominated by rose petal motifs. The taste has accents of honey pear and juicy citrus. As a gastronomic pair to this wine, seafood snacks, pasta with cream sauce and hard cheeses are good.
The Spark of Nature
“Gold of the Cyclades“ – this is what the Greeks call the ancient grape variety “atiri“, from which they make excellent dry white wines, in particular sparkling ones. They are distinguished by an unobtrusive aroma with floral nuances and an exquisite taste with accents of ripe yellow and white fruits. Enjoy the mild acidity and refreshing aftertaste. All this is done by the fault “Atiri“ with a good aperitif. However, if you want, you can supplement them with fresh fruit.
Treasures at the bottom
Among the red wines in Greece, wine is especially common “Agiorgitiko“, which is made from the grape variety of the same name. It is distinguished by a pulsating ruby color and a deep aroma with tones of juicy red fruits and marmalade. The perfectly balanced velvety taste pleases with moderately sweet fruit accents and a pleasant velvety aftertaste. To this wine, it is customary to serve red meat with a sweet and sour or savory sauce.
Drink for the hero
Agiorgitiko berries are also found in the Greek wines of Nemea, a famous wine region. The Greeks call them ” the blood of Hercules.” Legend has it that it was in Nemea that the fearless Hercules slew the terrible lion, drenching the vineyards with blood. The myth is reflected in the deep red color of the wines with dark tints. Their taste is also very rich, with attractive fruit accents. Traditional Greek dishes will help to reveal a complex bouquet.
Elegance itself
Quite an unusual wine of Greece — “Mavrodafni“. In Greek, “mavros” means “black”, which fully corresponds to the dark red, almost opaque color of the drink. Its taste harmoniously combines shades of juicy cherries, black coffee, sticky caramel and tart resins. Thanks to a special technology, the wine is classified as fortified. It gets a special sound in a duet with desserts made of milk chocolate or nuts.
Waiting for a miracle
Among the Greek red semi-sweet wines, one can distinguish “Xynomavro” from the grape of the same name. Some experts put it on a par with the unsurpassed French “Bordeaux”. It is quite capricious and requires at least four years of exposure, but the result exceeds all expectations. The wine gets a soft, perfectly balanced taste, silky texture and a long original aftertaste. It is suitable for red meat, fried poultry and pasta with tomatoes.
Island of Happiness
The mythical island of Crete is famous for its excellent dry Greek wines, including those created from the selected berries of the local varieties “Kotsifali” and “Mantilari”. They give the wine a pleasant flexible texture and optimal acidity. Its aroma is full of sweet floral notes. The taste is dominated by the motifs of dark dried fruits, framed by the nuances of spicy spices. This wine is created for roast pork and hearty homemade sausages.
Greek wines preserve a piece of ancient history and unforgettable traditions that continue to live for centuries. Nature itself has rewarded them with an amazing taste and magical charm, which even the most discerning gourmets will not resist.