Greece

History--red

Like many things in history, the Greeks have a bit of a 'been there, done that' kind of reputation. Wine is no different - they've been growing and making it since around 500 BCE. Through the Roman era, the Byzantine and the Ottoman, the Greek wine industry survived. It wasn't until the 1900s that it seriously faltered, when the effects of multiple wars brought the economy and this the wine industry down.

In the 1970s they finally ratified a system of geographical designation, marking out official regions and vineyards, similar to the French or Italian system. This led to easier consumer understanding of the wines and thus increased export volume.

Towards the end of the 20th century, the new Greek wine revival was well and truly underway, with the establishment of a new wave of small wineries which reached a peak during the first decade of the 21st century. Many of these wineries were owned by traditional growers, whose knowledge of native varieties and their particular site was born from generations of experience.

This bounty of local varieties, combined with the natural popularity of Greece as a tourist destination, has boosted the countries popularity and seen it become a true wine country, centuries after it was originally so.

Main regions--aromatic

Macedonia - the central northern region on the Greek mainland, this is the epicentre of fine red wine production in Greece. Plenty of the local Xinomavro planted here, along with Cabernet Sauvignon.

Santorini - the most important, viticulturally at least, of the Aegean Islands (which also include Samos and Limnos). The majority of the island is planted to local white variety Assyrtiko, which is probably the best known of all Greek varieties.

Main grapes--racy

Assyrtiko - an incredible white variety planted mostly on Santorini. Grown in small, coiled bush vines known as stefani, meaning crown, due to their shape. Assyrtiko is a wonderful variety that has become emblematic of the Santorini wine scene and is very high in acidity, with salty and citrus flavours.

Agiorgitiko - a full bodied red variety that is the most planted grape in Greece. Best known in the region of Nemea, on the Peloponnese peninsula, due west of Athens. Expect rich wines with dark plum and pepper flavours, backed up by serious acidity.

Xinomavro - a powerful, dry red variety that is found predominantly in Macedonia, especially the subregion of Naoussa. Lots of tannin, acidity and flavours of raspberry & anise.

Specific wine styles--aromatic

Retsina - quite a rare and particular style of dry white wine, made from local variety Savatiano. Unusual in that it is aged in containers that are sealed with the sap of nearby pine trees, which impart a herbal, resinous flavour to the wines that is totally unique. Only made in central Greece, in regions around Athens.