Greek Wine Varietals
Inspired by traditional, sustainable techniques and supported by modern resources, Greek winemakers are crafting world-class wines that continue to receive recognition and awards from prestigious international competitions.
The diversity of Greek grape varietals, wine history and styles surpasses most wine regions, and it is a core reason why Greek wine is a pillar of the wine making and wine culture we all enjoy today. There are 300 indigenous varietals and 33 Protected Designation of Origins (PDOs) in Greece. R&R Selections aims to help our customers learn more about the Greek varietals and how to pronounce them. Look through all the grapes below to learn more about them. Have fun!
Agiorgitiko
(Ah-yor-YEE-tee-koh)
One of Greece's most noble red grape varieties, known for its soft tannins and versatility. Produces wines ranging from fresh, fruity styles to rich, age-worthy examples with complex character.
Red fruits, Plum, Spice, Vanilla
Origin: Nemea, Peloponnese, Greece
Nemea, Attica, Peloponnese
Grilled meats, Moussaka, Pastitsio, Aged cheeses
Aidani
(Aï-thá-nee)
One of the most ancient Greek grape varieties that is mainly grown in the Cyclades. Dating back thousands of years, it is an acidic and aromatic grape that has been cultivated since antiquity. Aidani is used in making both dry and sweet wines.
Floral, Aromatic, Citrus
Origin: Cyclades, Greece
Cyclades, Santorini
Seafood, Light dishes, Appetizers
Aidani Mavro
(Ay-dá-ni Má-vro)
Indigenous variety to Paros and Naxos that is a rare form of the Cycladic Aidani varietal which is normally white.
red fruits, herbs
Origin: Cyclades, Greece
Paros, Naxos
Mediterranean dishes, Light meats, Seafood
Assyrtiko
(Ah-SEER-tee-koh)
The noble grape of Santorini, known for its crisp minerality and high acidity. Grown in the volcanic soils of Santorini, it produces wines with exceptional aging potential and distinctive character. Assyrtiko maintains its acidity even in hot climates, making it one of Greece's most prized white varietals.
Citrus, Lemon, Mineral, Stone
Origin: Santorini, Greece
Santorini, Macedonia, Attica
Seafood, Grilled Fish, Light Pasta Dishes, Oysters, Sashimi
Athiri
(Ah-THEE-ree)
One of Greece's oldest white grape varieties, producing fresh, aromatic wines with moderate acidity. Often blended with Assyrtiko in Santorini, but also made as a single-varietal wine.
Citrus, Apple, Pear, Floral notes
Origin: Aegean Islands, Greece
Santorini, Rhodes, Macedonia
Seafood, Light salads, Mild cheeses, Greek meze
Bekari
(Be-ká-ree)
A unique, rich grape from the mountains of Epirus (Western Greece). Sometimes blended with the Vlahiko grape. A varietal kept in existence by nomadic mountain shepherds.
mountain herbs, dark fruits, earthy
Origin: Epirus, Greece
Epirus
Lamb, Game, Mountain herbs
Debina
(Deh-BEE-nah)
Indigenous to Epirus in northwestern Greece, Debina produces light, crisp wines with vibrant acidity and delicate aromas. Best known for producing sparkling and semi-sparkling wines in the Zitsa PDO region.
Green apple, Lemon, White flowers, Mineral
Origin: Epirus, Greece
Epirus, Zitsa
Fresh seafood, Light appetizers, Vegetable dishes, Soft cheeses
Gaidouria
(Gaï-thour-yiá)
Medium sized bunches with big berries and a thin skin. From the island of Santorini covering less than the 1% of the island's vineyard.
Subtle, Delicate, Fresh
Origin: Santorini, Greece
Santorini
Light seafood dishes, Fresh salads, Mild cheeses
Katsano
(Kah-tsa-nó)
Small berries with thick skin and formed in a tight bunch. From the island of Santorini covering less than the 1% of the island's vineyard.
Citrus, Floral, Mineral
Origin: Santorini, Greece
Santorini
Seafood, Light dishes, Grilled fish
Limnio
(Leém-ñio)
The oldest red varietal on record, mentioned by Aristotle and Homer in ancient texts. This historic grape originates from the Greek island of Lemnos. Makes fruit forward red wines with silky tannins and great aging potential.
Red fruits, Herbs, Silky
Origin: Lemnos, Greece
Lemnos
Red meats, Aged cheeses, Pasta
Malagousia
(Mah-lah-goo-ZYA)
A once nearly extinct varietal that was revived in the 1970s, now one of Greece's most celebrated white grapes. Produces aromatic wines with complex character, medium to full body, and moderate acidity. Known for its expressive aromatics and rich texture.
Peach, Jasmine, Citrus blossom, Tropical fruit, Herbs
Origin: Central Greece
Macedonia, Attica, Peloponnese
Grilled fish, Seafood pasta, Poultry, Herb-infused dishes, Mediterranean cuisine
Mandilaria
(Man-di-la-ri-a)
A rare grape variety grown in the Cyclades and Crete regions of Greece. It is a Southern Aegean varietal that produces a light-bodied red wine with notes of strawberry and raspberry.
Strawberry, Raspberry
Origin: Southern Aegean, Greece
Cyclades, Crete
Red meats, Game, Aged cheeses
Mavrotragano
(Mahv-ro-trá-ga-no)
Indigenous to Santorini, this grape has a low yield and produces a deep red wine, fruity to the nose and tastes full of red currents, spices, opulent fruit and black cherries.
red currants, spices, black cherries, opulent fruit
Origin: Santorini, Greece
Santorini
Red meats, Game, Aged cheeses
Monemvassia
(Mōn-nem-vas-yá)
Thin skin of green to yellow-green color. They are juicy and sweet, with a characteristic aroma of pineapples, kiwis and ripe citrus fruits, with notes of spices and sweet herbs.
Pineapple, Kiwi, Citrus, Spice, Sweet herbs
Origin: Greece
Peloponnese
Seafood, Spicy dishes, Herb-infused cuisine, Fruit desserts
Moschofilero
(Mohs-ko-feé-le-rho)
An aromatic white-pink varietal that is balanced with acidity. It is often spicy with lemon zest yet floral to the mouth with undertones of rose
spicy, lemon zest, floral, rose
Origin: Greece
Peloponnese
Spicy dishes, Asian cuisine, Light appetizers
Roditis
(Roh-theé-tees)
A popular white grape varietal of central Greece. It makes pleasant wines that are light with tones of citrus, apple and pear.
citrus, apple, pear
Origin: Central Greece
Central Greece
Light dishes, Salads, Seafood
Romeiko
(Roh-meï-ko)
A light red-skinned variety grown mainly in the region of Chania, in Crete. Normally used in Blanc de Noir vinification to produce a wine that has citrus and grassy notes.
citrus, grassy, light fruits
Origin: Crete, Greece
Chania, Crete
Seafood, Light dishes, Appetizers
Vidiano
(Vee-dee-AH-no)
An ancient Cretan variety experiencing a renaissance. Produces elegant, aromatic wines with balanced acidity and a rich texture. Often considered one of Crete's most promising indigenous white varieties.
Stone fruit, Peach, Apricot, Honey, Herbs
Origin: Crete, Greece
Crete
Grilled fish, Seafood, Poultry, Cretan cheeses, Mediterranean salads
Vlahiko
(Vlá-hee-ko)
Cultivated in the mountains of Epirus, this is a rustic red grape, normally blended with Bekari.
rustic, mountain herbs, dark fruits
Origin: Epirus, Greece
Epirus
Red meats, Game, Strong cheeses
Voudomato
(Vou–thó-ma-to)
Translates to 'the bull's eye' because of the large pink grapes the vine produces. This is a very rare varietal from Santorini that makes an excellent rosé with distinctive character and bright fruit flavors.
Rose, Light fruits, Floral
Origin: Santorini, Greece
Santorini
Seafood, Light meats, Summer dishes
Xinomavro
(Xee-nó-mahv-roh)
A bold and most popular red varietal in Northern Greece. Usually makes light colored red wine, but rich, full-bodied with notes of tomatoes and dark cherries. Known for its high acidity and tannic structure, it's often compared to Nebbiolo.
Tomatoes, Dark cherries, Herbs
Origin: Northern Greece
Macedonia, PDO Naoussa, PDO Amyntaio
Red meats, Game, Aged cheeses