Aidani is a traditional Aegean white grape variety used primarily for the production of dry white wines and, more rarely, long barrel-aged dessert wines. Native to the Greek islands, Aidani produces wines with a pale yellow-green color and a delicate aromatic profile, featuring subtle mineral notes alongside aromas of yellow fruits, citrus, and flowers. On the palate, Aidani wines are medium-bodied with moderate alcohol and balanced acidity, offering elegance, freshness, and finesse. As an important indigenous variety of the Aegean vineyard, Aidani contributes significantly to the character and diversity of Greek island white wines.
Preknadi (also known as Priknadi or Prekniariko) is an indigenous Greek grape variety from the renowned wine region of Naoussa. The grape is easily recognized by the characteristic brown speckles (“preknes”) on its skin and its thick yellowish peel, while its vineyard yields are relatively low, typically producing less than one ton per stremma. Preknadi produces wines with moderate alcohol levels and balanced acidity, distinguished by an intense aromatic profile reminiscent of chamomile and lemon blossom, layered with notes of honeycomb and ripe yellow fruits such as apricot, mango, and pineapple. On the palate, the wines are round, generous, and beautifully balanced, with harmonious integration of fruit, alcohol, and acidity, making Preknadi a distinctive and expressive variety within Greece’s native white grape heritage.
Fokiano is a traditional Greek red grape variety grown mainly on the islands of Ikaria and Samos, as well as other Aegean islands. It produces wines with a medium ruby color that gradually develops brownish highlights with aging. Fokiano wines are typically high in alcohol, featuring balanced acidity, firm yet refined tannins, and a well-structured palate. Known for their aging potential and authentic island character, Fokiano wines represent an important part of Greece’s indigenous red grape heritage and Aegean winemaking tradition.
Tsapournakos is a distinguished Greek red grape variety belonging to the Cabernet Franc family, inheriting the noble character, structure, and elegance of this renowned international variety. Tsapournakos produces deeply colored red wines with vibrant acidity and pronounced yet velvety tannins, offering both power and finesse. Known for its aging potential and refined structure, Tsapournakos is increasingly recognized as one of Greece’s most promising red grape varieties for premium, terroir-driven wines.
Sklava is a rare and indigenous Greek grape variety found primarily in the regions of Argolis and Corinthia, and its preservation is largely credited to the dedicated efforts of agronomist Ilias Zacharias. This unique white grape produces wines with a bright yellow color and green highlights, showcasing an intense aromatic profile dominated by white-fleshed fruits and citrus blossom aromas. As one of Greece’s rare native varieties, Sklava represents an important part of the country’s viticultural heritage and offers distinctive, expressive white wines for those seeking authentic regional Greek flavors.
Savvatiano is one of the most widely planted and historically significant white grape varieties in Greece, forming the backbone of traditional Greek Retsina while also producing high-quality dry white wines and elegant blends with Roditis and Assyrtiko. Known for its medium body, moderate acidity, and smooth texture, Savvatiano wines typically display fresh aromas of pear, stone fruits, melon, and white flowers. When oak-aged, Savvatiano develops greater complexity and a richer mouthfeel, revealing layered notes of butter, honey, dried apricot, and caramel. Versatile, food-friendly, and deeply rooted in Greek winemaking tradition, Savvatiano is a key variety for anyone exploring authentic Greek white wines.
Assyrtiko is the iconic grape variety of Santorini, now cultivated throughout Greece and internationally recognized as one of the country’s finest white grapes. It produces predominantly dry white wines, some of which are barrel-aged for added complexity, as well as renowned sweet wines made from sun-dried grapes. Assyrtiko is celebrated for its exceptional aging potential and its distinctive organoleptic profile, marked by vibrant acidity and intense minerality. Structured, expressive, and terroir-driven, Assyrtiko stands as a flagship variety of Greek winemaking and a benchmark for premium Mediterranean white wines.
Vertzami is a rare and distinctive Greek red grape variety, primarily cultivated in Lefkada, the Ionian Islands, Aetolia-Acarnania, Preveza, and Achaia. It produces wines with a deep, intense red color and a rich aromatic profile, combining ripe dark fruits with subtle spice notes and herbal hints, such as eucalyptus. On the palate, Vertzami offers full-bodied tannins, balanced acidity, and a medium to structured mouthfeel. These wines age gracefully in oak, developing remarkable complexity, depth, and refined character over time, making Vertzami a hidden gem of the Greek vineyard.
Vidiano is a native white grape variety from Crete, mainly grown around Rethymno. It produces yellow-green wines with vibrant, complex aromas reminiscent of ripe peach and apricot, along with hints of aromatic herbs and minerality. On the palate, Vidiano wines are full-bodied, with higher alcohol balanced by moderately high acidity, creating elegant and expressive white wines.
Vlachiko is a red grape variety from the coldest regions of Northern Greece, reflecting its cool-climate character in every glass. It produces light ruby-colored wines with pronounced aromas of fresh red forest fruits, subtle spices, and green leaves. Typically vinified as dry red wines and often aged in oak, Vlachiko wines feature moderate alcohol (rarely above 12.5%), delicate fine-grained tannins, and high acidity, resulting in elegant, crisp, and expressive wines.
Thrapsathiri is a native white Greek grape variety, primarily grown in Crete. It produces aromatic wines with golden-yellow hues and vibrant aromas of citrus, peach, apricot, and floral notes, often complemented by subtle minerality. On the palate, Thrapsathiri wines are medium-bodied with balanced acidity and moderate alcohol, offering fresh, elegant, and expressive white wines ideal for both early drinking and short-term aging.
Koliniatiko is a rare Greek red grape variety native to the Peloponnese. It produces medium to deep ruby-colored wines with vibrant aromas of red berries, cherries, and delicate spice. On the palate, Koliniatiko offers soft, fine-grained tannins, balanced acidity, and moderate alcohol, resulting in elegant, approachable reds with freshness, smoothness, and good short-term aging potential.
Kydonitsa is a rare Greek white grape variety that is gradually gaining recognition. It produces medium-intensity yellow-green wines with pronounced aromas dominated by ripe quince notes. On the palate, Kydonitsa wines are round, soft, and well-structured. Currently, single-varietal bottlings are limited and primarily come from the Laconia region of the Peloponnese.
Although Malvasia Aromatica is cultivated in Italy primarily for the production of sweet wines, the variety is widely believed to be of Greek origin, most likely tracing back to Crete. Today, in its place of origin, Malvasia Aromatica is grown mainly on the island of Crete, with its strongest presence in the Heraklion region. Malvasia Aromatica is an intensely aromatic grape variety, characterized by vivid fruity aromas and pronounced Muscat-like notes. The wines produced from this grape typically display a bright golden color and are valued both as expressive dry wines and as outstanding dessert wines, offering richness, aromatic complexity, and elegance.
Robola is a white grape variety native to the Ionian Islands of Greece, found most prominently on the island of Kefalonia, where it is used to produce the renowned PDO Robola of Kefalonia. When cultivated in sites that allow the grape to fully express its potential—particularly on limestone-rich, mountainous vineyards—Robola produces wines with delicate citrus aromas, including lemon and citron, complemented by distinct mineral notes. On the palate, Robola wines typically show balanced acidity, a medium body, and moderate to relatively high alcohol levels, resulting in wines of finesse, structure, and aging potential.
Agiorgitiko is the signature red grape variety of the PDO wine zone of Nemea and one of Greece’s most versatile and widely planted indigenous grapes. What makes Agiorgitiko especially compelling is the remarkable range of wine styles it can produce—from fresh, fruit-forward rosé wines (dry or semi-dry), to structured, age-worthy red wines, as well as sweet dessert styles. Typically, Agiorgitiko yields wines with a medium body, moderate acidity, and soft, well-integrated tannins, making them approachable yet expressive. In terms of flavor profile, Agiorgitiko is known for its red fruit character, featuring aromas and flavors of strawberry, cherry, and raspberry, often complemented by milk caramel notes, particularly in younger red and rosé wines.
Athiri is an early-ripening white grape variety and is widely regarded as one of the finest indigenous Greek white wine grapes. It produces wines with moderate aromatic intensity, showcasing elegant aromas of white- and yellow-fleshed fruits, alongside fresh citrus notes. On the palate, Athiri wines typically display moderate alcohol levels, balanced acidity, and a medium body, offering a profile defined by freshness, vibrancy, and approachability. These characteristics make Athiri well suited to producing crisp, refreshing white wines that highlight purity of fruit and finesse.
