6 Greek Grape Varieties to Discover This Summer

Greek wine is home to more than 300 indigenous grape varieties, many of which remain virtually unknown outside Greece. If you're curious about Greek wine but don't know where to start, the easiest approach is to begin with the styles you already enjoy.

Whether you love Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Nebbiolo or Syrah, Greece has its own native grape varieties that offer familiar characteristics while introducing entirely new flavours and a strong sense of place.

Below are six indigenous Greek grapes worth discovering this summer.

If you like Chardonnay, try Savatiano

Often overlooked, Savatiano is one of Greece's oldest and most widely planted white grape varieties. While it has historically been associated with everyday wines, a new generation of producers is revealing its true potential.

Well-made Savatiano combines ripe stone fruit with subtle herbal notes and, with bottle age or careful lees ageing, can develop delicate nutty complexity reminiscent of high-quality Chardonnay.

Typical flavours include:

• Stone fruit

• Subtle herbal character

• Gentle nutty notes with age

• Medium body with refreshing acidity

  
  

If you enjoy elegant, food-friendly Chardonnay, Savatiano is a natural next step.

If you like Pinot Grigio, try Kidonitsa

Kidonitsa is one of Greece's rising white grape varieties, particularly associated with the Peloponnese.

Its name comes from the Greek word for quince, a clue to its distinctive aromatic profile. Expect bright citrus, ripe quince and a textured palate that offers more complexity than many neutral white wines.

Depending on the producer, Kidonitsa can be made in a fresh, fruity style or with subtle smoky complexity.

Typical flavours include:

• Quince

• Citrus

• Textured palate

• Fresh or lightly smoky styles

  
  

If Pinot Grigio is your go-to summer white, Kidonitsa offers a more characterful alternative.

If you like Nebbiolo, try Xinomavro

Xinomavro is widely regarded as one of Greece's greatest red grape varieties and is often compared to Nebbiolo thanks to its naturally high acidity, firm tannins and impressive ageing potential.

Young examples show vibrant red berries and dried herbs, while mature bottles develop savoury complexity with dried tomato and olive aromas, and remarkable elegance.

Typical flavours include:

• Red berries

• Mediterranean herbs, black olive and dried tomato

• Savoury complexity

• High tannins

• Excellent ageing potential

  
  

For lovers of Barolo and Barbaresco, Xinomavro is one of Greece's most exciting discoveries.

If you like Merlot, try Agiorgitiko

Agiorgitiko is the signature grape of Nemea, one of Greece's most famous wine regions.

Known for its generous fruit, silky tannins and versatility, Agiorgitiko can produce everything from vibrant everyday reds to complex age-worthy wines.

Typical flavours include:

• Ripe red fruit

• Soft baking spice

• Silky tannins

• Smooth, approachable finish

  
  

If you enjoy Merlot's balance of fruit and softness, Agiorgitiko is likely to become a favourite.

If you like Syrah, try Mavrodaphne

Historically, Mavrodaphne is best known for sweet fortified wines. However, a growing number of producers are revealing its remarkable potential as an elegant dry red. These wines combine forest fruits, gentle spice and freshness, producing refined reds that are both expressive and food-friendly.

Typical flavours include:

• Forest fruits

• Black cherry

• Delicate spice

• Elegant structure

  
  

If you appreciate cooler-climate Syrah, dry Mavrodaphne offers a fascinating Greek alternative.

If you like Viognier, try Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains

Muscat doesn't always mean sweet wine.

Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains is one of the world's oldest grape varieties and, in Greece, particularly on the island of Samos, can produce beautifully dry wines with remarkable freshness and minerality.

Although naturally aromatic, the finest examples balance floral notes with citrus, stone fruit and saline freshness.

Typical flavours include:

• Jasmine

• Orange blossom

• Stone fruit

• Citrus

• Mineral freshness

  
  

If you enjoy Viognier's aromatic style but prefer more freshness and tension, dry Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains is well worth exploring.

Why Greek Indigenous Grapes Are Worth Discovering

Greek vineyards are among the oldest in Europe, with a winemaking history stretching back thousands of years. Many indigenous grape varieties have adapted over centuries to Greece's mountains, islands and diverse climates, producing wines that cannot be replicated anywhere else.

Today, a new generation of winemakers is combining traditional varieties with modern, thoughtful winemaking to create wines that express their regions with remarkable clarity.

Exploring indigenous grapes is one of the best ways to understand the diversity of Greek wine, whether you're looking for crisp summer whites, elegant rosés, textured orange wines or complex age-worthy reds.

Discover Greek Wine with Pale Ruby Wine

Pale Ruby Wine specialises exclusively in indigenous Greek grape varieties, working directly with small, quality-focused producers across Greece.

Our carefully curated collection includes all of the varieties featured above, including Savatiano, Kidonitsa, Xinomavro, Agiorgitiko, Mavrodaphne and Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains, helping UK wine lovers discover the extraordinary diversity of modern Greek wine.

Whether you're searching for an alternative to Chardonnay, Nebbiolo or Syrah, there's an indigenous Greek grape waiting to surprise you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most popular Greek grape varieties?

Some of the best-known indigenous Greek grape varieties include Assyrtiko, Xinomavro, Agiorgitiko, Savatiano, Malagousia, Moschofilero and Vidiano.

What is the best Greek red wine grape?

Xinomavro and Agiorgitiko are widely considered Greece's two flagship red grape varieties, while Mavrodaphne is gaining recognition for elegant dry red wines.

What is the best Greek white grape?

Assyrtiko is Greece's best-known white grape internationally, but Savatiano, Kidonitsa and Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains also produce exceptional wines.

Where can I buy Greek wine in the UK?

Pale Ruby Wine imports small-production wines directly from independent Greek wineries, specialising exclusively in indigenous grape varieties and wines that express the diversity of Greece's vineyards.