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Greek land belongs to the most ancient territories that stand at the origins of the development of winemaking.
Mild climate, fertile soils, abundance of sun and healing sea air – more favorable conditions for the cultivation of vines and the creation of aromatic drinks cannot be imagined.
Local alcohol is little known outside the country and is not particularly popular, which does not mean at all that there are no worthy wines in Greece. There are quite a few, just these drinks are a little different from our usual products.
wine cocktails
A Brief History of Local Winemaking
Archaeologists date the ancient presses for processing grape fruits found in the Greek expanses to the fifth millennium BC. e.
It is possible that the local population was interested in making wines before, but the process was of a primitive nature.
The most striking stage in the development of wine art in Greece is the period of Antiquity.
At that time, viticulture in the country was actively developing: plantations expanded, the number of cultivated varieties grew and overcame hundreds of milestones, unique drink recipes were created, unusual agricultural techniques were invented, methods of storing and transporting wines were improved.
Interestingly, during this period, unique local traditions of winemaking were laid down, some Greeks still use to this day:
Special bending and bandaging of branches, removal of excess leaves and shoots to improve the fruiting of vines.
Late harvest and drying of grapes to increase the sugar content of the fruit.
Partial drying of berries to create sweet and fortified drinks.
Inclusion in wines of various kinds of additives for their clarification, aromatization and increase in shelf life.
At different times, olive oil, almonds, ash, clay, thyme, dill seeds, pine nuts, milk, honey, cinnamon, mint and other ingredients were used for these purposes.
Soaking grapes in sea water and adding it to the must.
Straining and boiling down the wine mass.
Dilution of thick and highly flavored drinks with water before drinking (this custom has been abandoned at the present stage).
The use of wines as medicines.
The use of clay amphorae and goat skins for the transport of alcohol.
Fumigation of vessels with beeswax or incense.
With the development of winemaking in other regions, primarily in Italy, Greek drinks lost their positions and began to be produced mainly for domestic consumption.
Today, interest in local alcohol is beginning to revive, which is facilitated by the popularity of the country among tourists.
Specificity and classification of Greek drinks
When tasting local wines, you should take into account a few points:
The basis of the Greek wine industry is made up of original autochthonous varieties, European varieties are less common.
The names of wines are most often determined by the names of the grapes.
Drinks made at home are often more interesting than factory samples.
Therefore, it is possible and necessary to taste village wines while traveling around the country.
Local products often contain a variety of additives and are rarely completely natural, which determines their unusual taste.
The Greek classification of drinks is close to the pan-European and includes 4 categories:
Outstanding wines produced in certain regions with a guaranteed level of quality.
Products controlled by origin.
Local wines.
Table drinks.
Class names change periodically, but the essence remains the same.
Wine regions of Greece
Central part of Greece
It is famous for the unique old wine “Retsina”.
Crete (Sitia, Chania, Heraklion)
One of the largest wine-growing centers in the country with the oldest vines.
Sweet fruit drinks are especially good.
Malvasia and traditional products from Romeiko (Maruvas wine).
The white variety Vilana is also common.
Islands of the Aegean Sea (Santorini, Samos, Rhodes, Paros)
Popular varieties: Muscat, Malvasia, Assyrtiko.
Santorini is famous for Vinsanto liqueur wine and ancient vineyards that survived the phylloxera epidemic (it did not reach the island).
Epirus
Plantations are located high in the mountains, which determines the special bouquet of local wines.
The visiting card of the region is a dry white from the Debina variety, you can also try the unusual Greek Cabernet here.
Islands of the Ionian Sea
Aboriginal varieties are concentrated (Augustatis, Tsaussi, Robola, Moschofilero) and light, refreshing wines are common.
Macedonia and Thrace
Local drinks from Xinomavro are especially good.
Peloponnese (Nemea)
A popular region among fans of wine tourism, which produces good white wines and excellent reds from the Agiorgitiko variety.
Thessaly
In the fertile areas off the coast of the Aegean, wonderful red drinks are made from native varieties.
Greek wines to taste first
Retsina
An exotic drink of a pale lemon hue with a resinous aftertaste from Savvatiano fruits.
Sometimes it can be found in pink. This unusual Greek wine is made according to old recipes with the addition of pine resin.
The strength of the drink is about 11%.
It is better to try chilled (7-8 ° C) in the company of spicy dishes, cheeses, fruits and seafood. Not everyone likes it.
Assirtico
An elegant white wine with a delicate citrus bouquet.
The best examples are produced on the island of Santorini.
It goes well with seafood and thick fatty sauces.
Mavrodafni
The drink has an intense garnet color with a transition to black.
Thick sweet wine with chocolate, vanilla, caramel flavors and floral and fruity aromas.
Suitable for high-calorie desserts with cream, cocoa and nuts.
Work
One of the most popular Greek white wines. The products of the Ionian Islands are especially good.
It is produced in several styles: from a light, pleasant drink with a lemon aroma to a strong, invigorating spirit with a spicy aftertaste.
Pairs well with seafood.
Agiorgitiko
Red wine from the Peloponnese, presented in different variations: from simple fruit drinks with cherry flavor to rich bright specimens with a complex spicy bouquet.
Pairs perfectly with traditional Greek dishes.
Xinomavro
An original ruby drink with a delicate, noble bouquet.
Good aged with pasta, red meat and poultry.
Moshofilero
Delicate rosé wine with slight acidity, floral aroma and citrus taste.
Mandilaria
Intense ruby-red drink with a harmonious bouquet, low alcohol content and high acidity.
Among the best wineries in Greece: Boutari, Tsantali, Cavino, Santo Wines, Malamatina, Ellinika Kellaria, Gaia, Kourtakis, Papagiannakos, Achaia Clauss.
Each region has its own worthy producers.
The taste of the same drinks differs depending on the manufacturer and the area of origin.
how to choose natural wine
Relevance: 13.11.2018
Tags: wine and vermouth