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Sklava: Greece’s Nearly Forgotten Indigenous Grape
Updated: Aug 20
Some of Greece’s most fascinating wines come from grapes you've probably never heard of.
Sklava is one of them.
An ancient indigenous Greek white grape traditionally associated with the northeastern Peloponnese, Sklava was once cultivated more widely but gradually disappeared as vineyards became dominated by better-known varieties. Today, only a small number of producers are working to preserve and revive it.
Among them is Zacharias Winery in Nemea, where winemaker Elias Zacharias has brought Sklava back into the spotlight with a rare single-variety bottling.
What is Sklava?
Sklava is a rare indigenous white grape from the Peloponnese, particularly associated with the Nemea area.
Like many of Greece's lesser-known varieties, its history is closely connected to the vineyards where it evolved. Its rarity is part of what makes it so interesting: rather than tasting a familiar international variety in a Greek setting, Sklava offers an opportunity to experience something genuinely local.
The variety produces white wines with freshness, citrus and stone-fruit character, alongside the mineral and textural qualities that can emerge from carefully farmed Nemea vineyards.
It is a reminder that Greece's wine heritage extends far beyond the handful of indigenous grapes that have achieved international recognition.
Zacharias Sklava: Bringing a forgotten grape back
At Zacharias Winery, one of Nemea's longstanding family estates, Elias Zacharias has spent decades working with the region's vineyards and indigenous varieties.
The winery was established in 1962, making it one of the oldest estates in Nemea. Its vineyards span different sites within the Nemea PDO, where altitude, limestone-rich soils and the region's Mediterranean climate help retain freshness while developing concentration and complexity.
The Sklava bottling represents a different side of Nemea from the region's famous Agiorgitiko reds.
Rather than following the better-known path, Zacharias has chosen to preserve and showcase a variety that could easily have disappeared from Greece's vineyards altogether.
What does Sklava wine taste like?
Sklava is a fascinating choice for drinkers who enjoy fresh, fruity white wines but want to move beyond familiar international varieties.
Depending on the wine and vineyard, expect characteristics such as:
Citrus
Stone fruit
Fresh acidity
Mineral character
Subtle herbal notes
A textured, dry finish
Its combination of freshness and texture makes it a versatile food wine, particularly alongside seafood, grilled fish, vegetables, salads and Mediterranean dishes.
Why rare Greek grape varieties matter
Sklava is part of a much larger story happening across Greece.
The country has more than 300 indigenous grape varieties, many of which remain little known outside their local regions. Some are thriving commercially, while others survive only in small vineyard parcels maintained by growers and producers committed to preserving Greece's viticultural heritage.
For wine lovers, this creates an extraordinary opportunity.
Discovering Greek wine isn't simply about finding an alternative to Chardonnay, Pinot Noir or Sauvignon Blanc. It's about encountering varieties that have evolved in particular landscapes over generations — grapes that can tell us something about the history and identity of the places where they grow.
Sklava is one of those grapes.
If you like... try Sklava
If you enjoy fresh, fruity white wines and are interested in varieties such as Pinot Grigio or dry Chenin Blanc, Sklava is worth exploring.
But its greatest appeal may simply be its individuality.
You won't find Sklava on supermarket shelves around the world. You won't encounter dozens of interpretations from different countries.
You get a glimpse of a small, almost forgotten part of Greek wine history.
Discover Zacharias Sklava
Zacharias Sklava is available in the UK exclusively through Pale Ruby Wine.
Pale Ruby Wine specialises in small-batch Greek wines made from indigenous grape varieties, working directly with producers such as Zacharias Winery to bring rare Greek grapes to UK wine lovers.
One grape. One region. One very limited opportunity to taste a piece of Greece's viticultural heritage.
Frequently asked questions
What is Sklava?
Sklava is a rare indigenous white grape variety from Greece, traditionally associated with the northeastern Peloponnese and the Nemea area.
Where is Sklava grown?
Sklava is primarily associated with the Peloponnese, including the Nemea region, where small quantities are still cultivated.
What does Sklava wine taste like?
Sklava produces dry white wines with fresh acidity, citrus and stone-fruit character, herbal qualities and a textured finish.
Is Sklava a Greek grape variety?
Yes. Sklava is an indigenous Greek grape variety with a long history in the Peloponnese.
Where can I buy Sklava wine in the UK?
Pale Ruby Wine imports Zacharias Sklava exclusively into the UK. Shop Zacharias Sklava →
Is Sklava rare?
Yes. Sklava is considerably less widely planted than Greece's better-known indigenous varieties such as Assyrtiko, Agiorgitiko and Xinomavro, making single-variety Sklava wines particularly uncommon.
