These 7 Greek Wines Are Highly Underrated

Greek wines may be among the most underrated on the planet. Why is a mystery, as the Greeks have been making wine since around 2000 B.C. (Perhaps the oracle at Delphi might have an answer?) Certainly, the quality of Greek wines has improved dramatically since the 1980s, and more of them have been appearing in the United States. In both retail settings and on restaurant wine lists — especially the latter, given the excellent food-friendliness of the Greek white wine in particular — the wines of Greece are on the ascent.

For fans of lively whites like Sauvignon Blanc and Albariño, Greek white wine offers astounding quality for a reasonable cost. While Greek reds are not as uniformly compelling, the best bottlings are terrific. The main hurdle among many consumers is the naming of the grapes themselves. The American wine-drinking public is generally accustomed to varieties that are both relatively familiar and easy(ish) to pronounce. It’s something of a surprise, for example, that Grüner Veltliner was able to break through on this side of the Atlantic and find significant success. But that great white grape of Austria also proves that it is possible for wines that don’t exactly roll off the tongue to find a wider audience here.

Wine grapes are grown, more or less, all over Greece. A few top regions are the Cyclades, especially Santorini, where Assyrtiko and other vines are tied into a basket shape to protect the fruit against the continuous wind; the Peloponnese peninsula, particularly Neméa, which produces full-bodied, juicy reds like Agiorgitiko; and Náoussa in Macedonia, the heart of Xinomavro. The wines of Crete are also growing in popularity – this is a part of Greece to have on your radar.

The seven grape varieties below are among the most important to familiarize yourself with as you delve into the world of Greek wine. They may not be as easy to ask for at your favorite shop or wine bar as, say, Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, but they’re every bit as delicious.

Greek wine varietals to know

1. Agiorgitiko

(aye-yor-yee-tee-ko): This grape produces lush, velvety reds with black-cherry flavors.

2. Assyrtiko

(ah-sir-tee-ko): A source of minerally, bone-dry, citrus-edged white wines.

3. Athiri

(ah-thee-ree): Wines from this white variety often have a scent of stone fruits, like nectarines.

4. Malagousia

(mah-la-goo-see-ah): This melony, jasmine-scented white was on the brink of extinction before winemaker Evangelos Gerovassiliou began growing it again.

5. Moscofilero

(mos-ko-fi-ler-oh): A primarily Peloponnesian white, its wines have tangerine and blossom scents.

6. Roditis

(ro-dee-tis): Elegant and light-bodied, this pink-skinned grape produces crisp whites and rosés.

7. Xinomavro

(zhee-no-mav-ro): This red has floral and spice aromas, firm tannins, and vibrant fruit.