Enjoy A Taste Of History With Greek Wines

Reminiscing about great historical turning points and events evokes images of Greece, particularly since it was where the Olympics originated and it is in Athens where the very famous Acropolis sits. More than that, Greece is also recognized for its wine and great Mediterranean food. All of these have made Greece into a well-known tourist destination. Yet there is one aspect of Greek life that is often forgotten - and this is the fact that Greeks are great lovers of wine. They are also one of the top winemakers and wine suppliers in the world today. A sad matter is that the wonderful and great-tasting wines from Greece are not patronized, and more often than not, they are overlooked.

An asset of Greek wine over other wines in the market these days is that Greek wine selections range from the oldest to the newest types. The country is home to over 300 decadent varieties of wine grapes, many of which cannot be found anywhere else in the world and possess elegant and fruitful flavors. The Greeks' love affair with wine is as ancient as the Greek isles. However, war and political unrest have hindered the development and production of wine. During the 1970's, most of Greek wines were made by a factory that manufactured the well-recognized retsina wine. Most locals prefer this wine, but the hint of resin taste was not thoroughly appreciated by others. However, the wine's popularity in Greek tavernas gradually extended the taste of the retsina over to tourists. Since the beginnings of that factory, the Greek wine industry has flourished, producing wines which follow suit of those once enjoyed by the Gods.

While some vintners are less adventurous, opting to pursue familiar territories, such as duplicating known beverages like Chardonnays and Cabernet Sauvignon wines, the Greeks have instead gone for cultivating and using their own matchless grapes to create inimitable vintages unique to the country alone; thus, bringing about more diversity in today's global wine industry. The Ksinomavro or Xinomavro grape is recognized by avid winemakers as the best Greek grape. Naoussa is the only place where this grape grows. It is said that the bitter coldness of the mountain air here facilitates to seal in the unique flavor of the grape. This grape is also called 'acid black' and it has a spiced cherry flavor that gets better with age. It is said that this red wine tastes best after being allowed to age for 20 or more years.

Another popular grape is the Moschofilero which is grown in the Peloponnese area. With its spicy taste, this white spirit is a great aperitif and an excellent pair to faintly spiced seafood recipes. Among the more recognized whites are the Lagorthi and Malagousia - the former having a hint of lime taste and the latter with hints of peach. The Greeks produce fabulously fruity, full-bodied and crisp white wines. Red wine, nevertheless, is still a favorite in Greece and there are a number of varieties available. A type of wine, the Nemean red, is famous for its range of flavors. It can be light and refreshing or laced with spice depending on its age. So, if patience is one of your virtues, allowing this wine to age longer will give you more layers in terms of taste as it offers hints of spice, earthy notes and fruity flavors. Nemean wines are best enjoyed with sweet desserts. As Greeks love to pair wines with certain dishes, it is best to ask for a local's opinion as to the most appropriate wine to accompany your chosen dish.

Greek wines are gaining more popularity and they are now easier to come by in western nations, like the US, and in states, such as New York and Chicago, where there are flourishing Greek populations. Still, it is best to visit the country itself if you want to savor some of the world's finest wines while enjoying the views of charming vineyards. Greece will offer you that and more.