Ep 503: Greek Wine — The Updated 10,000 Foot Overview

ByElizabeth Schneider

This show is an update to our previous shows on Greece. We hope to get you (re)started on your exploration of this ancient winemaking nation that has been reborn in recent years. Greek wines are unique, terroir-driven, and they harken back to the nation’s ancient past and the very foundations of wine as a major part of the history in western civilization.

With recent investments and modernization, the wines are better than ever and are worth exploring.

Map from the Wines of Greece

Although the places and grapes can be hard to pronounce (we did our best 🤷🏻‍♀️ so please do not write us to tell us we suck), they are easy to love. Take a listen and then seek these out — you won’t regret it! 

Here is a list of places and grapes we mention:

Notable Appellations

  • Xinomavro PDO appellations: Naoussa, Amynteo, Rapsani, Goumenissa
  • Agiorgitiko appellation: Nemea PDO
  • Mavrodaphne appellation: Patras/Peloponnese
  • Moschofilero: Mantinia PDO/Peloponnese
  • Assyrtiko appellation: Santorini
  • Liatiko, Vidiano, Vilana, Kotsifali: Crete

White grapes: Assyrtiko, Aidani, Moschofilero, Vidinao, Villana, Malagouzia, Roditis, Debina, Malvasia, Muscat of Alexandria, Savatiano, Sauvignon Blanc

Red grapes: Xinomavro, Agiorgitko (St. George), Mavrodaphne, Stavroto, Krasato, Limnio, Liatiko, Kotsifali, Mandelaria, Negoska, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Cabernet Franc

Xinomavro. Credit: Wines of Greece

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Wine Access  is my go-to source for the best selection of interesting, outstanding quality wines you can’t find locally. Make sure you join the Wine Access-Wine For Normal People wine club in time for the first quarter shipment (it’s shaping up to be outstanding!). 

To register for an AWESOME, LIVE WFNP class with Elizabeth or get a class gift certificate for the wine lover in your life go to: http://www.winefornormalpeople.com/classes

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Main Sources:

“The Wines of Greece”, Konstantinos Lazarakis. Infinite Ideas; January 22, 2018.

Wines of Greece