Greek History With A Side Of Wine

When talking about Greece, what comes to mind are some of the most historical and iconic figures or events in human history, such as the first Summer Olympics in Athens in 1896 or the impressive Acropolis in Athens, and even its Mediterranean cooking have all come together and heightened the nation’s reputation as a remarkable tourist destination. Yet there is one aspect of Greek life that is often forgotten – and this is the fact that Greeks are great lovers of wine. They are also one of the top winemakers and wine suppliers in the world today. The problem is, less or almost no attention is given to highlight the fun and stirring experience of tasting and acquiring fabulous Greek wines.

One of the major advantages of Greek wines over other more widely known ones is the range that Greek wines offer – from fine aged vintages to excellent new wines. The Greeks have created over 300 succulent kinds of grapes, most of which possess refined or distinctive fruity flavors that are solely found in Greece. Even during Ancient Greece, the Greeks have known and enjoyed the taste of good wine. But with conflicts and political unrest, the country experienced some turbulent times that have contributed in the sluggish development of wine production. By the 1970’s, the bulk of Greek wines were produced via a factory business which mass produced Greece’s famous retsina wine. While Greeks in general have a love for this type of wine, the subtle resin flavor was not very attractive to others. But traditional tavernas and the growing tourist industry have aided in boosting the popularity of retsina to foreigners. The start of wine production during this era allowed the Greek wine industry to prosper, making wine available not only to the gods, but to all who wish to take pleasure in its ripe and rich flavors.

Whereas other producers of wine have followed the popular trends of producing carbon copied Chardonnays and Cabernet Sauvignon wines, Greece have instead, opted to use their own, unique grapes in order to produce wines that are like no other and are completely unique to the country, helping to make the current wine industry much more diverse. To enthusiastic vintners, the best Greek grape is Ksinomavro, or Xinomavro as it is traditionally spelt. Naoussa is the only place where this grape grows. It is said that the bitter coldness of the mountain air here facilitates to seal in the unique flavor of the grape. The Xinomarvo, or ‘Black Acid’ grape has a distinct cherry flavor with a hint of spice, although it is beloved that this red tastes much better after it has aged over 20 years.

The Peloponnese region also boasts of the Moschofilero, a white grape with a spicy flavor. With its spicy taste, this white spirit is a great aperitif and an excellent pair to faintly spiced seafood recipes. Among the more recognized whites are the Lagorthi and Malagousia - the former having a hint of lime taste and the latter with hints of peach. The Greeks produce fabulously fruity, full-bodied and crisp white wines. Red is more favored within Greece and there are plenty to choose from. Nemean reds are renowned for being quite light and fresh at one end and plumy and spicy on the other depending on their age. So, if patience is one of your virtues, allowing this wine to age longer will give you more layers in terms of taste as it offers hints of spice, earthy notes and fruity flavors. Nemean wines are best enjoyed with sweet desserts. All Greek wines act as the perfect accompaniment to food so in order to fully enjoy your spicy red or fruity white, inquire as to the best wine to go with your chosen dish.

Greek wines are gaining more popularity and they are now easier to come by in western nations, like the US, and in states, such as New York and Chicago, where there are flourishing Greek populations. Feel like a god in Ancient Greece who is taking pleasure in a glass of refined wine as he gazes over vast and bountiful vineyards. That is what visiting Greece might do to you. So, why not take a break and enjoy a bit of drink and a slice of history in beautiful and wonderful Greece.

By: Nicholas Kringas

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