The Varieties of Greek Grapes
Ayioryitiko: This is considered to be the finest variety of red grape and is cultivated in the area of Nemea. It could be called the wine of Hercules (Hercules), because he performed one of his famous labours there. "Nemea" wine is produced from this grape.
Asyrtiko: Here we have an exceptional variety of white grape with a wide range of potential in wine-making. It flourishes primarily in Santorini but is also found elsewhere in the Cyclades.
Athiri: This is the best known variety of white grape from the Aegean islands. "Rhodes" wine, from the island of the same name, is produced from this grape.
Batiki: A variety of white grape from Thessaly, but which is also found in many parts of Macedonia. This grape is of no particular interest for the wine made from it.
Debinia: An white Epirot variety of grape from the area of Zitsa, of the appellation of origin of the same name as the dry white wine and the fresh tasting, sparkling wine called "Zitsa"
Kotsifali: An old red variety from Crete which is cultivated together with the Mandilaria grape because though it has a pleasing bouquet it has an unstable color.
Lagorthi: A very good white grape from the area of Kalavryta but whose cultivation has not spread to other areas even though it produces a tasty and fragrant wine.
Liatiko: A red Cretan variety from a grape with a small berry, known since Byzantine times. From this are produced the wines by the names of "Siteia" and "Dafnes".
Limnio: A superb red variety which is mentioned by Aristotle. It is cultivated on the island of Limnos, in the Prefecture of Chalkidiki, in Thrace and in Eastern Macedonia.
Malagouzia: A white scented variety from Aitoloacarnania where it produces quality wines. It has exceptional potential when it is cultivated in semi-mountainous areas.
Mandilaria: The most widely disseminated indigenous red variety which is found in Naxos, Paros, Santorini and the other Cyclades, in Crete and in the Dodecanese where it is called Amorgiano.
Mavrodafni: This famed red variety from Achaia whose wine is aged in oak barrels till it becomes fragrant and sweet.
Mavro Mesenikola: A red grape from the area of Mesenikola in Karditsa.
Monemvasia: A white variety which is found in Paros and Lakonia. The must of the Monemvasia grape is combined with that of the Mandilaria grapes to produce an exceptional result.
Moschato Alexandreias: A white grape that is cultivated in northern Greece, mainly on the island of Limnos where it produces a white aromatic wine of the same name.
Moschato Lefko: An outstanding variety from the island of Samos as well as Patras where it produces superb and renowned wines.
Moschofilero: A variety from Tripoli and Messinia. It produces a high quality dry white, slightly aromatic wine, with the appellation of origin "Mantineia".
Negoska: This flourishes in the district of Goumenissa and is an indigenous variety. It produces the well-known red wine "Goumenissa".
Robola: A rather pale blond grape with a delicate-skinned berry which produces wine with a distinctive bouquet, like fresh fruit. It is found exclusively on the island of Cephalonia from where the wine of the same name comes.
Roditis: A pink variety of grape with chromatic variations, found in the Peloponnese, Thessaly, mainland Greece and Eastern Macedonia. In Achaia the Appellation of Origin High Quality "Patra" guarantees a wine fresh, tasty and well balanced.
Romeiko: A red Cretan variety of grape from the Prefecture of Chania know as the "Mediterranean type" with great potential for wine-making and for the production of various kinds of wine.
Savvatiano: Vineyards of this white grape are found almost exclusively in the areas of Attica, the Megarid, Boeotia and Euboea, perhaps because it thrives in a dry hot climate like the one found in these areas. It is the most suitable variety for the production of retsina.
Vertzami: This variety of grape imparts a rich color to wine.We find it on the island of Lefkada and it is constantly being subjected to experiment and improvement.
Vidano: Another white variety from the semi-mountainous vineyards of the Prefecture of Rethymno which makes good wine.
Vilana: We are speaking here of a white variety which flourishes in the Prefecture of Herakleion in Crete and produces a freshtasting and aromatic wine under the local name "Peza".
Xinomavro: A select red variety exclusively from Macedonia which is found in Naoussa, Amyntaio, Goumenissa and Rapsani from which is made wine with the same appellation of origin.
Zoumiatiko: Macedonian or Thracian, this variety of white grape is nothing special in terms of quality.
