Wine expo season is in full swing here in Greece, and there are many wonderful wines to try. I gravitate towards organic, natural, and sustainable wines, as they are usually produced in ways that have a less negative impact on the environment, and they can be really fun. Even with all the exciting vintages from well-established and new Greek wineries popping up every year, we have several bottles that are our go-to, tried-and-true favorites that we always keep in stock at home. This list can change a little as we discover new staples to add in, but the five wines below are currently at the top of our rotation, in no particular order.
Thymiopoulos Earth and Sky
Thymiopoulos Earth and Sky is like a cozy hug from northern Greece's PDO Naoussa. This red wine is all about the Xinomavro (sour black) grape, packing a punch of vibrant red fruit flavors like red currants and pomegranate, with a touch of earthiness through tomato and olives. It's smooth and unobtrusive, with just enough structure to keep things interesting. Sip on it with a juicy burger fresh off the grill or a hearty pasta dish loaded with tomato sauce. It's the kind of wine you can crack open any day of the week and know you're in for a delicious treat.
Eco Notes: Organic, oak barrel-aged, spontaneous yeast fermentation, biodynamic, minimal intervention
Gerovassiliou Malagouzia
As the only white on our list (for now), Ktima Gerovassiliou’s Malagouzia is a versatile, dependable, gorgeous white wine that can sometimes be hard to come by due to its popularity. It’s like fresh air from northern Greece's PGI Epanomi. The malagouzia grape dominates as one of my favorite Greek varieties, thanks to the efforts of this winery’s vintner, Vangelis Gerovassiliou, who brought it back from near extinction in the 1980s. This white wine is bursting with lively citrus and tropical fruit flavors, with a hint of floral aromas dancing in the background. It's crisp, refreshing, and totally addictive, making it perfect for sipping on a sunny afternoon or pairing with light seafood dishes, salads, or creamy cheeses. It can also stand up to foods with a bit of spice or flavorful kick, like spicy feta dip (tirokafteri) or bacaliaros with garlicky skordalia. We keep a bottle or two of this in the fridge at home, and it is also a staple on all our summer yacht charters.
Eco Notes: Conventional, stainless steel tank aged, oak barrel-aged
Driope Estate Agiorgitiko Reserve 2017
Driope Estate Agiorgitiko Reserve 2017, a production of Tselepos in Mantinia, is a smooth and flavorful red wine from Greece's PDO Nemea in the Peloponnese. Made from the local Agiorgitiko (Saint George) grape, it bursts with juicy forest fruits, black cherries, and a sprinkle of herbs on the nose. We love its earthy notes, which become more pronounced if you give it a little time to open up before you sip. This wine has a velvety texture and just the right balance of tannins and zingy acidity on the palate. It's full-bodied with a nice long finish, perfect for kicking back with some grilled meats, hearty stews, or a plate of sharp cheeses. Open now for a memorable treat, or let it hang out in the cellar for even more depth. We find that the 2017 vintage is more our style than the 2018.
Eco Notes: Conventional, oak barrel-aged, low yield
Anatolikos MV Mavroudi
Anatolikos MV Mavroudi is an exquisite find from Greece's northernmost Thrace region. This red wine showcases the unique Mavroudi grape, blended with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, offering a symphony of flavors that dance on the palate. Dive into a lush bouquet of ripe dark berries intertwined with hints of exotic spices and a touch of wild herbs. Its velvety texture and lively acidity make each sip a delightful journey. Pair it with hearty fare like succulent lamb dishes or rustic stews to elevate your dining experience. We discovered this one on a day off in Chania, Crete, but the more we try this winery’s other offerings, the more we love Anatolikos.
Eco Notes: Organic, dry cultivation, unfiltered, spontaneous yeast fermentation, low-yield, oak barrel-aged
Mikro Ktima Titos Goumenissa
Last but not least, this PDO Goumenissa from Mikro Ktima Titos showcases the indigenous Xinomavro and Negoska grapes, resulting in a harmonious blend of ripe red fruit flavors and subtle earthy nuances. On the palate, it offers a smooth texture, medium body, and well-balanced acidity, making it a versatile companion for a variety of dishes. As one of two wines made with Xinomavro grapes on our list, I would say this one is more fruit-forward and could be enjoyed with or without food.
Eco Notes: Organic, oak barrel-aged
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