Greek Wine Varieties from A to Z
A true treasure—that is how wine lovers around the world can only describe Greece’s indigenous wine grape varieties. These wine-producing native vines are among the key factors behind the diversity and uniqueness of Greek wines.
Greece’s indigenous grape varieties number in the hundreds, making the country one of the most viticulturally diverse in terms of wine production, and its vineyards among the richest in the world. They form an irresistible arsenal for producing wines of every type and style, suited to every taste and occasion, and, of course, for wine enthusiasts of all levels.
Agiorgitiko
The king of red grape varieties in the Peloponnese, Agiorgitiko is cultivated in Nemea. It produces deep ruby-coloured wines with intense flavours of blackcurrant and blackberry, and a rich, mature, velvety texture. The softer, younger vintages of Agiorgitiko pair well with fruit and are enjoyable when consumed at a young age. However, the variety also has excellent ageing potential, with the ability to mature gracefully for 5–10 years.
Assyrtiko
Assyrtiko is the noblest white grape variety in the Greek vineyard, with its heartland in the Cyclades. However, it has successfully migrated to other regions, including Halkidiki, Epanomi, Drama and Mount Pangaion in Northern Greece, as well as the Peloponnese. It retains its high acidity even at full ripeness. With its crisp acidity and distinctive minerality, its wines are both rich and refreshing. Its aromas recall citrus fruit, lemon blossom, orange peel and grapefruit.
Athiri
Another white grape variety, Athiri is found on the islands of the southern Aegean, as well as in Halkidiki and Eastern Macedonia. The wine is characterised by subtle aromas of citrus and yellow fruits, with a gentle, understated intensity.
Kotsifali
A red Cretan grape variety, Kotsifali produces wines distinguished by their wonderfully juicy flavour, bright red colour and pleasing palate impact. It is most often blended with another island red variety, Mandilaria.
Liatiko
Exclusively a Cretan grape variety, Liatiko is considered one of the oldest indigenous Greek varieties. It ripens in July, from which it takes its name, a contraction of Iouliatiko (“of July”). Liatiko is a variety with high alcoholic potential, and its outstanding characteristics are best expressed after sufficient ageing.
Limnio
Limnio is an ancient red grape variety originating from the island of Lemnos. It has been mentioned by Aristotle and other classical writers. Today it is cultivated not only on Lemnos but also in Halkidiki and more broadly across Northern Greece, where it produces a brilliant ruby-red wine with an exotic fragrance reminiscent of violets after rain and the aroma of cherries.
Malagousia
This elegant Greek white grape variety is most likely related to the renowned medieval wine Malvasia. It was saved from obscurity thanks to the vision of a number of Greek producers who believed in its potential.
Critical acclaim and enthusiastic consumer response have fully vindicated their confidence. Malagousia wines are intensely aromatic, with notes reminiscent of Muscat, while also offering a subtle, slightly peppery finish on the palate.
Debina
A white grape variety from Epirus, primarily cultivated around Zitsa in the Ioannina region, Debina produces fruit-forward wines with a characteristic refreshing acidity. It also lends itself well to the production of sparkling wines.
Xinomavro
A distinguished red grape variety of Northern Greece, Xinomavro is well adapted to continental climates and is cultivated in more regions than any other grape variety in the country. Its grapes retain a pronounced acidity even when fully ripe. The charismatic Xinomavro rightly holds a high position in the hierarchy of Greek grape varieties. With its uniqueness and remarkable performance, it promises a powerful experience for any true wine connoisseur, convincing them from the very first sip that they are facing something truly exceptional.
Savatiano
A grape variety of Central Greece, primarily cultivated in Attica, Savatiano produces wines with aromas of yellow fruits and relatively low acidity. Its most famous expression is the uniquely Greek retsina.
Cheers…
A true treasure—that is how wine lovers around the world can only describe Greece’s indigenous wine grape varieties. These wine-producing native vines are among the key factors behind the diversity and uniqueness of Greek wines.
Greece’s indigenous grape varieties number in the hundreds, making the country one of the most viticulturally diverse in terms of wine production, and its vineyards among the richest in the world. They form an irresistible arsenal for producing wines of every type and style, suited to every taste and occasion, and, of course, for wine enthusiasts of all levels.
Agiorgitiko
The king of red grape varieties in the Peloponnese, Agiorgitiko is cultivated in Nemea. It produces deep ruby-coloured wines with intense flavours of blackcurrant and blackberry, and a rich, mature, velvety texture. The softer, younger vintages of Agiorgitiko pair well with fruit and are enjoyable when consumed at a young age. However, the variety also has excellent ageing potential, with the ability to mature gracefully for 5–10 years.
Assyrtiko
Assyrtiko is the noblest white grape variety in the Greek vineyard, with its heartland in the Cyclades. However, it has successfully migrated to other regions, including Halkidiki, Epanomi, Drama and Mount Pangaion in Northern Greece, as well as the Peloponnese. It retains its high acidity even at full ripeness. With its crisp acidity and distinctive minerality, its wines are both rich and refreshing. Its aromas recall citrus fruit, lemon blossom, orange peel and grapefruit.
Athiri
Another white grape variety, Athiri is found on the islands of the southern Aegean, as well as in Halkidiki and Eastern Macedonia. The wine is characterised by subtle aromas of citrus and yellow fruits, with a gentle, understated intensity.
Kotsifali
A red Cretan grape variety, Kotsifali produces wines distinguished by their wonderfully juicy flavour, bright red colour and pleasing palate impact. It is most often blended with another island red variety, Mandilaria.
Liatiko
Exclusively a Cretan grape variety, Liatiko is considered one of the oldest indigenous Greek varieties. It ripens in July, from which it takes its name, a contraction of Iouliatiko (“of July”). Liatiko is a variety with high alcoholic potential, and its outstanding characteristics are best expressed after sufficient ageing.
Limnio
Limnio is an ancient red grape variety originating from the island of Lemnos. It has been mentioned by Aristotle and other classical writers. Today it is cultivated not only on Lemnos but also in Halkidiki and more broadly across Northern Greece, where it produces a brilliant ruby-red wine with an exotic fragrance reminiscent of violets after rain and the aroma of cherries.
Malagousia
This elegant Greek white grape variety is most likely related to the renowned medieval wine Malvasia. It was saved from obscurity thanks to the vision of a number of Greek producers who believed in its potential.
Critical acclaim and enthusiastic consumer response have fully vindicated their confidence. Malagousia wines are intensely aromatic, with notes reminiscent of Muscat, while also offering a subtle, slightly peppery finish on the palate.
Debina
A white grape variety from Epirus, primarily cultivated around Zitsa in the Ioannina region, Debina produces fruit-forward wines with a characteristic refreshing acidity. It also lends itself well to the production of sparkling wines.
Xinomavro
A distinguished red grape variety of Northern Greece, Xinomavro is well adapted to continental climates and is cultivated in more regions than any other grape variety in the country. Its grapes retain a pronounced acidity even when fully ripe. The charismatic Xinomavro rightly holds a high position in the hierarchy of Greek grape varieties. With its uniqueness and remarkable performance, it promises a powerful experience for any true wine connoisseur, convincing them from the very first sip that they are facing something truly exceptional.
Savatiano
A grape variety of Central Greece, primarily cultivated in Attica, Savatiano produces wines with aromas of yellow fruits and relatively low acidity. Its most famous expression is the uniquely Greek retsina.
Cheers…
