GREEK WINE

Minoans: The First Greek Winemakers

Greek wine dates back to as early as 4,000 BC when the first vines were domesticated in northern Greece. However, it was about one millennium later that winemaking really flourished. The first ‘professional’ winemakers were the Minoans, early inhabitants of the Crete island whose civilisation dates back to 3,500-1,100 BC. Minoans left plenty of artefacts which attest to their sophisticated wine making skills. These artefacts include huge clay amphorae, found among the ruins of the Knossos palace in Crete, as well as one of the most ancient wine presses ever discovered, aged more than 3,000 years old.

In Minoan Crete of the mid-second millennium BC, wine was produced and stored in the palaces. In fact, it was a sacred drink used for various religious rituals. Moreover, the Minoans were the first civilisation in Europe to trade wines and to keep records of production and trade. As a matter of fact, these early Cretans were skilful sailors. They set up colonies and exported their wine, as well as olive oil to the north coast of Africa, Asia Minor and throughout the Aegean islands and Mediterranean.

At the same time, the winemaking techniques were incredibly advanced. Ancient Greeks studied various types of soils, trying to find the most suitable ones for local grape varieties. They knew that lower yields produced higher quality grapes. Moreover, ancient Greek growers employed vine training with stacked plants rather than letting the vines grow in bushes and up trees. Last but not least, cult of Dionysus, the Greek God of wine, was a big part of the culture. 

Simultaneously, international wine commerce experienced its most remarkable growth ever. Crimea, Egypt, Scythia, Etruria were just some of ancient Greece’s trading partners. The Greeks transported wine by sea in large clay vessels. Archeologists discovered millions of amphora pieces bearing seals of various city-states and Aegean islands. These artefacts were found across Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Alexander the Great, Admirer Of Greek Wine

In the 4th century BC, the leadership of the Greek realm passed to Macedonia, and its king Philip. Both him and Alexander the Great, his son and successor, were great admirers of Greek wine. Naturally, Alexander’s armies needed massive wine supplies. Interestingly, wine was used not only as tonic and refreshment during the marches, but also as a means of “sterilizing” water of dubious purity. Inevitably, winemaking spread to all the newly conquered territories.

Greek Wine From Romans To Ottomans

In the 4th Century, when Greece was under Roman rule, Christianity became an official religion here. Consequently, the monasteries engaged in vine growing and winemaking. 

The monks preserved the local grape varieties and wine culture later on, when the Ottomans conquered the Greek territories in 1453. Unsurprisingly, the Muslim rulers saw no need in maintaining the vineyards and banned wine drinking. However, the monasteries continued to produce wine for their own needs with the official permission from the Ottomans. As such, the monks carried on making wine throughout the 400-year rule of the Ottoman Empire. Nevertheless, by the 19th Century, Greek wine almost went out of existence.

Greek Wine In The 20th Century

World War II, followed by the Civil War made the situation even worse. Many Greek vineyards were neglected, the indigenous vines abandoned. As a result, cheap bulk wine dominated the market in the middle of the 20th Century. At that time, Greek wine was largely exported to Europe where it was fortified and sold as an inexpensive alternative to Port.

Finally, in the 1970s the revival of Greek winemaking began. During that time, a handful of enthusiastic winemakers started working hard to put Greece back on the world wine map.

At the same time, Greek wine saw an influx of investment, and new state-of-the art wineries appeared. Luckily, the Greeks have come to realise that the future of their wine is in their uniqueness and authenticity. Thus, gradually, many indigenous grape varieties were revived and replanted. Thanks to these efforts, today we have a chance to taste the wines made of the same varieties as those served at Greek symposiums centuries ago.

Nowadays, Greek wine is going through an exciting era, with more and more boutique family-owned projects popping up. The new generation of winemakers value north-facing slopes and higher altitudes which moderate high summer temperatures. Thus, the best of Greek wines are fresh, well structured and well balanced. With advanced modern winemaking techniques in place, Greece offers excellent quality. Greek wines regularly receive international critical acclaim and prestigious awards. That said, the best prove of quality is the growing demand for Greek wine.

Northern Greece: Epirus, Macedonia and Thrace

This is a cooler part of Greece with relatively cold winters, rain and snowfall in the mountains. Northern Greece is particularly famous for powerful reds made of Xinomavro grape, which is nicknamed as “The Barolo of Greece.” Another grape which originates from this part of the country is the aromatic white variety Malagousia. It makes rich and complex white wines.

Aegean Islands: Santorini, Samos, Límnos

The Aegean Islands offer an astonishing variety of indigenous grapes. Santorini, the picture perfect volcanic island, is the homeland of Greece’s most famous white wine, Assyrtiko. Some of the best examples come from this hot dry volcanic terroir. Another fascinating grape comes from the island of Límnos. The variety is called Liminio and it was likely to have existed during Aristotle’s time. It makes charming wines with pronounced notes of raspberries and herbs.

Central Greece:  Thessaly

Central part of the country is a rather hot and arid area. Therefore, the wines often display an abundance of ripe fruit along with a jammy character. Some of the best vineyards are found at higher elevations, for example, on the slopes of Mount Olympus, in the region Rapsani. The focus is on red wines, with Xinomavro being one of the main varieties. 

Southern Greece: Crete, Peloponnese, and Kefalonia, Attica

Southern Greece with its hot Mediterranean climate is a much loved tourist destination. It is also home to beautiful aromatic white wines, along with some rich powerful reds. One of the most popular black varieties here is Agiorgitiko which originates from Peloponnese. It makes full-bodied reds with plenty of berry and spice flavours. The island of Crete is famous for pleasant easy-drinking white wines made of  Vidiano grape, as well as for its lush reds blends, made of Kotsifali and Mandilaria grapes.