A Guide to Greece's Noble Grapes and Food Pairing
Greece is home to over 300 indigenous grape varieties, each with a unique story and a distinct taste of its terroir. Our mission at ELLAΔΑ is to share these incredible wines with you. Explore our guide to some of the most important Greek grapes to discover your next favourite.
1. Assyrtiko
Assyrtiko is a white Greek wine grape that is indigenous to the island of Santorini. It is also widely planted in the arid, volcanic-ash-rich soil of other Aegean islands, such as Paros.
The orange wine version of Assyrtiko is an excellent pairing for stuffed squid, mushrooms, eggplant, octopus stew, and mature cheeses.
2. Malagouzia
Malagouzia wine, known for its floral, peachy, and aromatic characteristics, pairs well with seafood, grilled dishes, and fresh vegetables like artichokes. It is an excellent match for Mediterranean and Asian cuisines, as well as light appetizers and fresh salads, though it can also stand up to richer foods like poultry with creamy sauces or fatty fish.
Seafood: Grilled shrimp, scallops, mussels, pan-seared sea bass, and sushi are all excellent companions.
Vegetables & Salads: It highlights the flavors of dishes with green vegetables, asparagus, artichokes, and complements fresh salads, including Caprese or those with fresh herbs.
Mezze & Mediterranean: Try it with Greek mezze like hummus, tzatziki, and spanakopita.
Asian Cuisine: The wine's aromatic qualities make it a good pairing for dishes from Indian, Korean, Chinese, and Thai cuisines.
Rich Flavors: Look for pairing opportunities with richer dishes such as salmon, chicken with creamy or white sauces, and even some smoked cheeses.
Other Dishes: Pairings also include risotto with asparagus and peas, zucchini pesto, and even stuffed cabbage leaves.
3. Moschofilero
Moschofilero is a captivating aromatic grape from the Peloponnese, producing vibrant white wines with a crisp, elegant finish. Its bright citrus notes and lively acidity make it a versatile choice for a wide range of dishes.
Seafood & Light Appetizers: The wine's crisp acidity and minerality make it an ideal match for various seafood dishes, including light salads with crab and shrimp, grilled octopus, fried calamari, and fresh mussels.
Its bright citrus notes and lively acidity cut through the richness of oily seafood like garlic prawns or fried white fish.
Moschofilero's versatility allows it to pair well with a range of Mediterranean seafood appetizers.
Vegetable & Mediterranean Dishes: With its clean, elegant finish and aromatic bouquet, Moschofilero is an excellent choice for salads, especially those with lemon vinaigrettes.
The wine's stone fruit and honey notes complement vegetable-based stir-fries featuring ingredients like zucchini and artichokes.
Other Pairings: The delicate nature of the wine makes it a great partner for soft and fatty cheeses.
Its aromatic complexity can balance the heat and flavors of spicy Asian cuisine.
Moschofilero can also be enjoyed by itself as a refreshing aperitif.
4. Limniona
Limniona is a rare, indigenous red grape variety originating from Thessaly, especially the Tyrnavos region, which produces elegant, fruity wines. These wines are known for their intense aromas of red fruits, herbs, and spices, as well as a lively acidity and velvety tannins. As a late-ripening variety, it is suitable for red, rosé, and sparkling wines and shows good aging potential.
5. Agiorgitiko
Agiorgitiko is a red grape traditionally grown in the Nemea region of the Peloponnese but can also be found throughout Greece, including Attica and Macedonia.
6. Xinomavro
As the most popular Greek grape variety in the UK, Xinomavro is a must-try for any red wine lover. Its key characteristics are high acidity and firm tannins, which allow it to cut through the richness of fatty meats and hearty dishes, cleansing the palate beautifully.
7. Mavrotragano
Mavrotragano is one of Greece's oldest red grape varieties, native to the Cyclades islands and originally grown on the volcanic soils of Santorini. Once nearly extinct due to its low yields and sensitivity to drought, it was revived by the dedicated efforts of local growers. The vines are predominantly ungrafted due to the volcanic soil's natural resistance to phylloxera.
8. Limnio
Limnio is an excellent wine for drinkers who want an alternative to the heaviness of international varieties, offering interesting flavors with a discreet tannin structure and brightness. It's a versatile wine that can even be experimented with for fish pairings, which are usually matched with red wines.
