Best Greek wines 2023, expert-ratedWhat wines is Greece known for?
From Santorini’s zesty assyrtiko, to rich and refined agioritiko, Greece champions its indigenous grapes at every turn. So, if you’re keen to branch out from your beloved chardonnay and failsafe Rioja, the Greek wine aisle is a great place to explore.
If you love sauvignon blanc or albariño, assyrtiko (a-seer-tee-ko) is worth a try. Bone dry and oh-so-refreshing, the best examples are full of mouth-watering minerality.
Viognier fans should give malagousia (mah-la-goo-see-ah) a go. Silky and rich, with aromatic honeysuckle, melon, jasmine and blossom, it’s a great white wine for year-round drinking.
Agiorgitiko (ah-yor-yee-ti-ko) is a great substitute for merlot. This medium-bodied grape produces spicy, fruity reds.
And although we haven’t included any xinomavro (see-no-mav-ro) in this round-up, the spicy, floral, vibrant red is widely considered one of Greece’s best if you enjoy pinot noir.
How we test Greek wine
As part of the Good Housekeeping Institute’s annual Wine Awards, our panel of 10 WSET-accredited experts and consumers sampled eight bottles of Greek wine.
They considered a range of styles, looking for wines that were a good representation of their grape variety. Each was assessed on its complexity, flavour and finish. Here’s our pick of the best Greek wine for 2023.
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1
Best Greek white wine
Dougos Winery Meth’Imon Acacia
Score: 89/100
A blend of Greece’s indigenous assyrtiko grape and sauvignon blanc, this organic white wine is deliciously refreshing, with racing acidity. You’ll enjoy a nuttier profile to classic sauvignon blanc, alongside mouth-watering minerality and tropical fruit.
Key specificationsGrapeAssyrtiko, Sauvignon BlancABV13%
2
Best Greek rosé wine
M&S Myrtia Moschofilero Assyrtiko Rose
Score: 86/100
A rosé to rival your beloved blush from Provence, this vibrant wine is deliciously aromatic, with a nose of sweet Turkish delight. Notes of lemon and grapefruit come through on the palate, all wrapped up in a creamy finish that would pair well with salty cheese.
Key specificationsGrapeMoschofilero, AssyrtikoABV12.5%
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3
Best Greek red wine
14/27 Agiorgitiko
Score: 81/100
Greek wines can be decadently rich and heavy, but this refreshing style shows a lighter side. Made with the agiorgitiko grape from the Nemea region, it’s been aged in French oak but retains bright redcurrant notes and good acidity. We’ll be enjoying this with BBQ kebabs, and spaghetti bolognese.
4
Best Greek orange wine
Markou Kleftes Savatiano
Score: 80/100
Savatiano is a grape primarily used in Greece’s traditional retsina — which doesn’t have the best reputation here in the UK. However, it has been given a whole new lease of life in this orange wine, complete with aromatic blossom, thirst-quenching citrus and minerality. Time to give it another go!
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5
Runner-up Greek white wine
Chosen By Majestic Greek White
Score: 80/100
Majestic’s brief for this wine was to highlight the best examples of key regions and core grape varietals – at wallet-friendly prices. We think they nailed it with this crisp and refreshing blend. Like sunshine in a glass, you can expect a subtle effervescence, juicy stone fruit and aromatic blossom.
Key specificationsGrapeMalagousia, Assyrtiko, RoditisABV13%
Score: 78/100
Another wonderfully fresh and aromatic white made from Greece’s much-loved assyrtiko grape, this is best drunk well chilled. It may not be quite as complex as others on this list, but it’s undeniably easy drinking, with crunchy green apple, lemon peel and white peach dominating the palate.
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7
Best budget Greek wine
Athlon Greek Assyrtiko
Score: 77/100
New to Greek wine? This inexpensive bottle will win you over with its fresh combination of lemon zest, peach and savoury green bell pepper edge. In short, a great introduction to assyrtiko, without the price tag.
Callum is our Food and Drink Testing Manager and has been part of the world of professional catering for 10 years, from cheffing to food manufacturing. While working in manufacturing he specialised in bespoke product and menu development for several start-ups and well-known brands such as Wrap It Up! and HOP Vietnamese. He holds the WSET Level 2 in wine, a Level 3 in spirits and has a particular interest in agave spirits.
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