Top 100 red wines of Greece
Discover the top 100 best red wines of Greece as well as the best winemakers in the region. Explore the varietals of the red wines that are popular of Greece and the best vintages to taste in this region.
Discovering the wine region of Greece
Greece, a mountainous Turkey/mediterranean">Mediterranean country in Southeastern Europe, is often considered the cradle of Western civilization. Archaeological evidence suggests that wine has been made in Parts of Greece for over 4000 years.
References in Homer's Iliad and Odyssey confirm that viticulture was widespread here in the 8th century BC. The importance of wine is also evident in Greek mythology.
Dionysus (the Greek god of wine) appears in the legends of all regions of Greece, from the plains of Attica to the Aegean island of Chios.
From the 4th century onwards, the tumultuous history of Greece as part of the Byzantine Empire meant that viticulture did not flourish as it did in neighbouring Italy. As a result, Greece's importance in the modern wine world is far less than one might expect, given its early success. In the late 20th century, however, Greek viticulture showed signs of revitalization, supported by modern winemaking techniques and a generation of motivated, quality-oriented producers.
The modern face of Greek wine combines the traditional with the modern. Native Greek Grape varieties such as Assyrtico, Agiorgitiko and Xynomavro stand alongside famous international (French) varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. The range of 21st century Greek wines includes fresh, citrusy whites, Sparkling rosés and deliciously Sweet reds.
Geographically speaking, Greece consists of its mainland and numerous islands.
Discover the grape variety: Limnio
Certainly the oldest of the Greek grape varieties, it is given as having its first origins on the island of Lemnos or Limnos in the northern Aegean Sea, today much more cultivated in the northern part of Greece. It should not be confused with limniona, also of Greek origin, and to aggravate the confusion has as synonym limnio. Limnio can also be found in Romania, Italy, Germany, ... in France almost unknown.
Food and wine pairing with a red wine of Greece
red wines from the region of Greece go well with generally quite well with dishes of beef, lamb or spicy food such as recipes of boles de picolat (catalan meatballs), pastasotto pepper merguez (risotto style pasta) or stuffed squid in the sétoise sauce.
Organoleptic analysis of red wine of Greece
On the nose in the region of Greece often reveals types of flavors of cherry, cheese or grilled meat and sometimes also flavors of apricot, green herbs or hazelnut. In the mouth in the region of Greece is a powerful with a nice balance between acidity and tannins.
News from the vineyard of Greece
Decanter Editor-in-Chief’s New York Fine Wine Encounter top tips
There are going to be some utterly splendid wines to taste at our New York Fine Wine Encounter – many of the world’s grandest winemakers have brought some of their very best bottles to our event, knowing their hard work and talent will be appreciated by a discerning audience. My team of experts have picked out a great selection of their personal favourites from the wines on offer, and for their superbly detailed analysis and opinion, you should read the pieces and the picks from Georgie Hindle, ...
A perfect pairing: Flatbread and cod roe emulsion
My father worked in the wholesale supply of fruit and vegetables. He would often come home with a box of the day’s best produce, and so I became interested in what was in season. Both my parents often worked late, so cooking dinner to help take some weight off them inspired me to want to learn more. My first kitchen job at age 14 was at a Greek restaurant in Southampton, and it inspired my love for foods of the eastern Mediterranean. Today, I’m lucky to be able to obtain the best produce from ‘O ...
Andrew Jefford: ‘I urge every reader to enjoy wine thoughtfully’
I first contributed to Decanter back in November 1988; the hundreds of columns and articles I’ve written since constitute a journey of discovery. I squirm, though, if I’m described as a ‘wine expert’. Whatever wine knowledge we acquire quickly cools, congeals and crusts over, like custard or gravy, as the years pass. The wine world expands at a clip. Every vintage rewrites history. It’s the chance to share discoveries – not just about wines, but about people, places and the act of drinking itsel ...