Laconia
Laconia is in the most southern part of the Peloponnese, and has the smallest vineyard acreage of all Peloponnesean prefectures. Historically, the region had been truly significant for wines as it is home to the famous Malvasia, which was being produced for many centuries. However, the wine industry there was unable to recover after the end of the Turkish occupation. Although many families produced wines for their own consumption, it was not until 1990 that commercial wineries were established. Laconia is full of viticultural treasures, and boasts many indigenous grape varieties that can only be found there.
Truly exciting wines are being produced – I believe strongly that the wines of Laconia are up and coming. Vatistas is a producer who works wonders with the local Petroulianos, Kidonitsa and Malagousia varieties. Theodorakakou is one of the largest organic growers and concentrates heavily on the varieties that are exclusive to Laconia. Monemvasia Winery also aims to unlock the potential of Laconia, producing mostly blends from up to a handful of varieties.
Messinia
This prefecture is located in the southwest. The first bottled wine from this area became available only in 1985. Apart from some Greek varieties, the focus is on international ones. The Tsoli winery produces a top Cabernet Sauvignon called Annie’s Animus and also a superb Annie’s Animus Merlot. Both wines are unrefined and unfiltered.
Ilia
Ilia with its capital Pyrgos are in the northwest. Just 25 years ago it was hard to find any producer who bottled their wines at all in Greece. Christos Kokkalis, from this region is likely one of the first producers in the whole of of Greece to have done it; his Trilogia wine is a Cabernet Sauvignon that is consistently rated at 90+ points. His Syrah is nearly as impressive. At the Mercouri Estate wines are made that express their own personality. Because of their historic connections with Italy, some Italian grape varieties were planted and stunning Italian/Greek blends are being produced.
Achaia
Achaia is located at the northern coast, between Ilia and Corinth. Many of the vineyards in Achaia are located on steep mountain slopes. The best Roditis wines of Greece come from this area and are typical of the modern Greek style wines. Intensive aromas of ripe citrus fruits are their trademarks. The sweet Mavrodaphne wines of Achaia’s capital, Patras, are world famous and are one of Greece’s strongest export products. Antonopoulos Vineyard portfolio consists of truly inspirational wines of consistently high quality. Mega Spilaio and Tetramythos are relatively new entries; both are being exceptionally elaborate in their production, which is evident in their wines. Finally, Parparoussis is one of the most distinguished winemakers in Greece, and his wines are truly elegant in style.
Learn the Secrets of Undiscovered Greece
During the Middle Ages, the Malvasia wines of Laconia were world-renownedLaconia is in the most southern part of the Peloponnese, and has the smallest vineyard acreage of all Pelopnnesean prefectures. Historically, the region had been truly significant for wines as it is home to the famous Malvasia. Read more about Laconia.
Theodorakakos Estate
Theodorakakou is one of the largest organic growers in Greece, and concentrates heavily on the varieties that are exclusive to Laconia. Kydonitsa and Mavroudi are found only in Laconia, though their grape collection is complemented by local Monemvassia, Petrouliano and Thrapsa and the widely known Assyrtico, Roditis and Agiorgitico. Find out more about Greece's undiscovered grapes.
Markus Stolz, originally from Germany, lives with his Greek wife and his four children in Athens, Greece, where Greek wines first captivated him. He holds the Advanced Certificate of the WSET. Markus authors Elloinos, a blog that shares his passion for Greek wines and the Greek culture, and can be found on Twitter @elloinos.
Comments
Can't you guys add a "print" function to these
great articles? Sure would save a lot of printer ink!
Thanks,
John M.
Jan 11, 2010 at 12:00 PM
What Duker001 said!
Jan 11, 2010 at 12:29 PM
Thanks, Markus, for this very informative survey of the wines of the Peloponnese. Considering the near absolute lack of familiarity most winedrinkers have with Greek wines, I think it would also be useful to provide some more info about Greeek varietials (beyond agiorgitiko), some tasting notes for specific examples of representative wines--and URLs for links to wineries, etc., too. Am looking forward to hearing more from you since you're in such an excellent position for educating us interested-but-ignorant drinkers! ;-)
Jan 11, 2010 at 1:34 PM
e
I'm just happy to know a little more about Greek wine now -- thanks!
Jan 11, 2010 at 1:42 PM
This completely intrigues me about Greek wines! They were some of the first to produce them, but they don't seem to be the most prevalent of wines talked about, or on the shelves. I am now on a quest to find and drink Greek wines! Thank you for the information!
Jan 11, 2010 at 2:50 PM
Stolz
@Duker0001 @skuatt Very valid point, I am sure the Snooth guys are on it.
@dmcker Point taken, I have to find the time to share more information and would be delighted to do so. Please be patient until I figure out an efficient way to contribute more.
@atonalprime Cheers, am happy to answer any questions you might have.
@andfabiana It is so great that you wish to explore Greek wines further, please report back. They are captivating, and it is well worth seeking them out.
Jan 11, 2010 at 4:35 PM
Curious
I love the fact that you include a map...its really nice to be able to visualize as we read! THX great job on reporting back to us...wine geeks! Im absolutely captivated with all these cool new indigenous grape varietals.... could they be compared to any other more mainstream varietals? im so privileged to work as Sommeliere in a tapas style restaurant in Montreal...owned by a Greek chef. Consequently, I've tasted most Greek wines I can put my hands on and I have to admit that I am more impressed that dissapointed. Can wait to hear more from you Markus! Miss B Curious
Jan 11, 2010 at 7:26 PM
08
I am a Tamil.
We occupy the southern part of South India.
Our history goes back to three thoursand years plus.
Our 'Golden Age' called 'Sangam Era' came to an end in the 2nd century AD.
During the Sangam Era, there are numerous mentions of imported Greek wine.
The Tamils did make beer from rice and millet. They also made wine from jack-fruit mixed with mango and honey. And there were other rarer wines like pomegranate wine, date wine, etc.
Beer was home-made also. This was known as 'il-adu-kaL'.
Inspite of the varieties of local wines and beers, the Tamils imported ship loads of wine from Greece.
And they paid for it with pure gold.
Even the wine goblets from Greece were very much priced.
I always wondered whatever was so special about Greek wines.
Regards
Dr.Jayabarathi
Jan 11, 2010 at 7:35 PM
Thanks for the quick response, Markus. Will be looking forward to seeing more from you in the future.
Jan 11, 2010 at 9:19 PM
Can anyone tell me anything about a local wine called [in Greek] "Hermes Blood". Drank a lot of it on leave in early 60's.
The article was good, and brought back great memories.
EAW
Jan 12, 2010 at 1:53 AM
Stolz
@Miss B-Curious - I like your nickname :) You are in a nice postion working as a Sommeliere in a restaurant owned by a Greek chef. Some varieties might be comparable - although only in a very general sense. Agiorgitiko has been compared to Gamay, Xinomavro to Pinot Noir or Nebbiolo. Moschofilero from cooler growing areas could be mistaken as Gewurztraminer.
@jaybee0110-08 Very interesting, I knew that Greeks wines were famous in ancient times, but not that they were also imported by your people.
@Plonked: Agiorgitiko is called "lion's blood", as Hercules apparently killed a lion in Nemea where this grape has its home.
Jan 13, 2010 at 8:25 AM
r
Here is a general article about Greek Wines written by Markus that I posted on my Schiller Wine Blog:
http://schiller-wine.blogspot.com/2...
Jan 13, 2010 at 8:28 AM
I have enjoyed the Skouras Domaine, Argiorgitiko, Nemea, Grand Cuvee 2004 and 2006. deep red color, complex aroma and long finish at the end About 15 Euros..whatever the exchange rate may be at the time
Jan 13, 2010 at 12:42 PM
Dal Piaz
Thanks everyone for such a great response, and to Markus for his writing and great follow-up here. I think we all are looking forward to another installment, and I hear you in regards to the print button.
Jan 13, 2010 at 7:20 PM
My favorite Greek wine is called "Hatzimichalis"
Another one that's not as good but still pretty good is "Amesthytos"
Jan 17, 2010 at 12:08 AM
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