The Wines of Greece

PREVIOUS TASTING ARCHIVE – SEPTEMBER 2022

Forget Retsina and Ouzo. In many ways the modern fine wines of Greece are something of an insider’s secret, from velvety and powerful reds to mouth-watering and seafood-friendly whites.

Of course, it should be no surprise that Greece can produce wines to rival the world’s best: after all, they have had 10,000 years of practice.

Thankfully, Greece remains a stronghold of indigenous grape varieties and regional styles, today marrying the best traditions with a modern approach to winemaking. In this tasting I have turned to Greek specialist importer, Maltby & Greek, to source six fascinating wines (and with a generous and exclusive discount too). We’ll have three whites and three reds, each from different grape varieties and winemaking regions.

What we’ll taste

Our white wines start on the mainland of Greece with a full-bodied Malagouzia from the Amyndeon region, and from the seaside vineyards of Attiki, an Assyrtiko, for many people one of the star grapes of Greece. Our final white is from the island of Cephalonia, a mountain-grown Robola variety. The reds are no less diverse and interesting. Again, kicking off on the mainland with a classic Xinomavro, aged nine months in oak casks, followed by an organic, barrel-aged Limnio from Avdira in Northern Greece. Crete supplies the final red in the line-up, 100% Liatiko grown at 350 metres altitude and aged in French oak barriques.

How does it work?

• Tasting tickets and wines are purchased separately
• The ticket price is per household, not per person
• The ticket covers both sessions
• After you purchase your ticket, you’ll receive a link to buy the wines
• We’ll make a recording of each session in case you miss one
• You may attend without buying the wines.