One of the oldest varieties planted in all of the Aegean islands. It ripens early and needs to be picked at just the right time, otherwise, the wine can be flabby. Fresh, fruity but not very aromatic, with notes of lemon, grapefruit and lemon blossom. Makes simple, easy-drinking wines, unless grown at altitude.
Color
white
Aromas & flavors
citrus fruit - stone fruit
Wine style
medium bodied
A variety that is grown mainly on Crete, and makes wines that are not very deeply coloured and tend to turn to brick rather easily. Intensely aromatic, with aromas of red berries like cherry, plum and strawberry, sweet spices and Mediterranean herbs. Rather low in tannins and acidity, but high in alcohol.
Color
red
Aromas & flavors
dried fruit - earthy - herbal - red fruit
Wine style
Fruity - full bodied - round
Although very dark-skinned it makes fairly pale wines, which have a tendency to turn to brick rather easily. An aromatic variety with aromas of red fruit and spice, sometimes more floral, that also shows aromas of figs and raisins in the sweet versions. Full-bodied, soft tannins and moderate acidity. Like a hug.
Color
red
Aromas & flavors
dried fruit - earthy - floral - red fruit
Wine style
elegant - full bodied - savoury
Grew up on the island of Zakynthos but emigrated to the Western Peloponnese. Lovable, soft, elegant, moderately coloured wines with aromas of red fruit, pepper and chocolate. Soft tannins, medium-bodied with crispy acidity. Ages nicely and blends well with Mavrodaphne.
Color
red
Aromas & flavors
herbal - red fruit
Wine style
elegant - Fruity - medium bodied
A white variety that was saved from distinction on the island of Crete. Distinctly herbal in its aromas that range from laurel (Dafni in Greek), sage, rosemary, and flowers or herbs to ripe stone fruit and ginger. Makes powerful wines that are moderate in their alcohol and acidity.
Color
white
Aromas & flavors
floral - herbal - stone fruit
Wine style
light bodied
A white variety that comes from the area of Zitsa in Epirus. Very shy aromas of green apple, pear, and peach, usually give wines that are super fresh, lean and low in alcohol with a lemony aftertaste. Made as a dry wine, but also as semi-sparkling and sparkling.
Color
white
Aromas & flavors
citrus fruit - stone fruit
Wine style
elegant - light bodied
Grown in the Southern Peloponnese around Monemvasia it has a distinctly quincy flavour which gave it its name. The aromas of quince are accompanied by oranges, bergamot, pear, with some minerality and notes of chamomile flowers. Crisp, medium-bodied aromatic wines, with medium alcohol.
Color
white
Aromas & flavors
citrus fruit - floral - mineral - tropical fruit
Wine style
Fruity - light bodied
Born on the island of Lemnos and probably one of the most ancient varieties, has emigrated to Northern and Central Greece, where it seems to have found its place. Makes wines that are silky, with alcohol on the higher end and medium acidity. Distinctly herbal (sage, thyme, mint) but also fruity.
Color
red
Aromas & flavors
herbal - red fruit
Wine style
elegant - medium bodied - savoury
Thessaly is its hometown and it is a variety that is both elegant and powerful. Not intensely coloured, it has aromas of strawberry and raspberry, herbal and floral notes and sweet spices with a peppery twist. What is really characteristic of this variety are the silky tannins and its fresh character.
Color
red
Aromas & flavors
floral - herbal - red fruit
Wine style
elegant - medium bodied - mineralic - savoury
Comes from Crete, but is found all around the Eastern Aegean. Makes deeply coloured wines, rather light-bodied, with tannins that can be ferocious (think of them as a wall of bricks) and can do with ageing. Fine aromas of cherries, plums, and liquorice. It blends well with Kotsifali, which gives it body.
Color
red
Aromas & flavors
black fruit - dried fruit - earthy - red fruit
Wine style
acidic - powerful - savoury - structured
A variety that is placed in Kalavryta and in the Northeastern part of the Peloponnese at higher altitudes. Makes wines of medium colour, medium to full body, medium acidity and supple tannins. Its aromas are reminiscent of both red and black fruit, herbs, spice and leather with age.
Color
red
Aromas & flavors
black fruit - red fruit - smoke - spice
Wine style
elegant - medium bodied - savoury
Born on the island of Santorini but has tried its luck in neighbouring Tinos and in Epanomi, Northern Greece. It makes wines that are deep in colour, high in alcohol and of moderate acidity, with tannins that can do with some ageing. Aromas of wild berries, violets, red cherries, spices and some minerality. Promising.
Color
red
Aromas & flavors
black fruit - floral - mineral
Wine style
Fruity - full bodied - powerful - savoury