Greek wine is made from indigenous grape varieties grown throughout Greece. Historically, it was often sweet and produced from raisined grapes, though modern production focuses on dry wines. The strength varies by type, with some wines having moderate alcohol content.
History
Greece is one of the oldest wine-producing countries, with evidence of winemaining dating back to the middle of the 5th millennium BCE. Wine was a primary beverage in antiquity, consumed by all age groups but typically diluted. During Greek colonization, wine spread westward along the Mediterranean coast. Under Ottoman rule, winemaking declined significantly, with most grapes converted to raisins. After gaining independence in the 1820s, Greece began producing low-quality bulk wine. The 20th century saw efforts to modernize the industry and promote unique resinated wine, retsina. After the fall of the military dictatorship in 1974, Greek wine legislation aligned with EU standards, leading to increased production of dry wines for export.
Types and styles
Greek wine classification follows EU standards with several categories. Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) wines include ΟΠΑΠ and ΟΠΕ categories. Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) wines include local wines and historical designations like Retsina. Varietal wines are a newer category allowing vintage and grape variety labeling. Table wines represent the simplest category without vintage or grape designation. Notable grape varieties include Assyrtiko, known for mineral-rich wines from Santorini; Agiorgitiko for red wines; and Moschofilero for aromatic whites. Regional specialties include Cretan wines, Chian wine, and Lesbian wine.
How it is made
Traditional Greek winemaking often involved producing sweet wines from raisined grapes. Modern production focuses on dry wines using Western techniques. Many wineries now concentrate on producing quality wines from high-altitude, cooler regions in northern Greece. The use of indigenous grape varieties remains central to Greek winemaking, with each region developing its own characteristic styles. Some wines, like retsina, continue to be made with traditional methods, including the addition of aromatic resin.
Adapted from the Russian Wikipedia article Виноделие в Греции, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Styles and varieties
- Lesbian wine (Greece)
- Cretan wine
- Coan wine
- Chian wine (Ancient Greece)
- Rumney wine
- Vilana