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GREEK WINE GUIDE VOL. 1: XINOMAVRO, AGIORGITIKO & MORE TO TRY

Greek wine already holds a special place in the hearts of wine lovers, but navigating the many Greek grape varieties can feel overwhelming — especially if you’re unsure how to pronounce them. I completely understand the hesitation - and trust me, you don’t want to hear how we pronounce Müller-Thurgau in Greek! :-)

The good news? Just as you’ve learned to say Trousseau, Rkatsiteli, or Txakoli, you can learn Xinomavro and Agiorgitiko. After all, you don’t need perfect pronunciation to enjoy Greek wine — all you need is an open mind and a curious palate.  And as for the myth about the poor quality of Greek wine, I challenge you to move past that cliché and taste with honesty. One of the greatest challenges in the world of wine is blind tasting. Let your senses — not your prejudices — decide what you truly enjoy.

This guide will help you choose Greek wines similar to famous international wines, making it easier to explore new flavors with confidence. There are many more local varieties and countless beautiful wines with unique taste profiles.

Xinomavro – The Greek Nebbiolo

Grown mainly in Naoussa, Amyntaio, Rapsani, and Goumenissa in Northern Greece, Xinomavro is a structured, complex red wine similar to Italy’s Nebbiolo.

Tasting Profile:

  • Bright acidity
  • Tannins: from firm to powdery or velvety
  • Flavors: sour cherry, strawberry, tomato, olive, herbs — not a Greek salad, but perfect for pairing with Greek or Mediterranean dishes
  • Excellent aging potential

Styles to Try:

  • Blanc de Noir, Rosés, Reds, and Sparkling Wines — Xinomavro’s extraordinary diversity can be dangerous to fall in love with.

Regions & Varieties:

  • Naoussa: Xinomavro monovarietal PDO, classic, rustic, or modern styles
  • Rapsani: Xinomavro blended with Krassato and Stavrotó
  • Goumenissa: Xinomavro blended with Negkoska
  • Amyndeon: Sparkling wines

👉Discover the Rich Flavors of Xinomavro

Agiorgitiko – Greece’s Juicy Alternative to Gamay (Beaujolais)

One of Greece’s most versatile red grapes, Agiorgitiko thrives in Nemea and across the Peloponnese, offering vibrant fruit and a soft texture.

Tasting Profile:

  • Juicy red fruits
  • Soft tannins, velvety texture
  • Medium body

Styles to Try:

  • Nemea: Cherries, sour cherries, lively acidity. Nemea is a large region, so wines vary in quality, style, and price.
  • Rosés: Fresh, vibrant, and aromatic
  • Rest of Peloponnese: Floral and delicate reds

👉Taste the Juicy Agiorgitiko Collection

Assyrtiko – Greece’s Answer to Riesling and Albariño

Originally from volcanic Santorini, Assyrtiko is celebrated for its crisp acidity and mineral edge. Today, it grows across Greece, with each region delivering a different profile — the Santorini PDO reminds you of the power and structure of a red, disguised in a white!

Tasting Profile:

  • Crisp acidity
  • Mineral and citrus notes, stone fruits

Styles to Try:

  • Santorini: Salty minerality, high acidity, age-worthy
  • Mainland Greece: Softer acidity, citrus-led freshness

👉Assyrtiko from Santorini & Beyond

Malagousia – The Aromatic Greek Viognier

Once nearly extinct, Malagousia has become a rising star in modern Greek wine. Fans of Viognier will love its aromatic profile.

Tasting Profile:

  • Peach, stone fruit, jasmine, Mediterranean herbs

  • Rich texture, floral nose

👉Discover the Flavors of Malagousia

Muscat Blanc À Petits Grains – Greece’s Aromatic White

Muscat Blanc is celebrated for its intensely aromatic profile, offering fresh floral notes, citrus, and bergamot flavours. It can be enjoyed as a sweet dessert wine or a dry, aromatic white, making it versatile for different occasions. 

Tasting Profile:

  • Floral and citrus aromas
  • Outstanding complexity
  • Lively acidity
  • Sweet or dry styles

👉Taste the Freshness of Muscat Blanc

Ready to Explore Greek Wines?

Greek grape varieties offer a world of flavors — from structured reds like Xinomavro to fresh, mineral whites like Assyrtiko. Next time you’re choosing a bottle, think of your favorite international wine and try its Greek counterpart. You’ll find something familiar yet distinctly Greek.

 

Photo: Athanasiou Winery, Nemea, Agiorgitiko Vines

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