Inspired by traditional, sustainable techniques and supported by modern resources, Greek winemakers are crafting world-class wines that continue to receive recognition and awards from prestigious international competitions.

The diversity of Greek grape varietals, wine history and styles surpasses most wine regions, and it is a core reason why Greek wine is a pillar of the wine making and wine culture we all enjoy today. There are 300 indigenous varietals and 33 Protected Designation of Origins (PDOs) in Greece. R&R Selections aims to help our customers learn more about the Greek varietals and how to pronounce them. Look through all the grapes below to learn more about them. Have fun!

White Grape Varietals

Aidani

(Aï-thá-nee)

An ancient Greek grape variety that is mainly grown in the Cyclades. It is an acidic and aromatic grape. Aidani is used in making both dry and sweet wines.

Athiri

(Ah-theé-ree)

Indigenous to Santorini these grapes have a thin skin with a sweet and fruity juice. This grape is blended with Assyrtiko and Aidani to make the popular, “Vinsanto”.

Assyrtiko

(Ah-seér-tee-ko)

Indigenous to Santorini where vines are often over 100 years old. This grape has thick skins, is acidic and complex, making a crisp, mineral, fresh wine when on Santorini and slightly more fruit-forward with less minerality when grown on the mainland.

Debina

(De-beé-nah)

Famously used for sparkling wines, this grape also makes fresh, white dry wines as well as semi-sweet wines. Pleasant acidity with citrus fruit notes.

Gaidouria

(Gaï-thour-yiá)

A rare indigenous grape to Santorini it is used in blends. A subtle and smooth white grape.

Katsano

(Kah-tsa-nó)

A rare grape harvested in Santorini from the Galavas Winery. This grape makes a complex and crisp wine.

Malagousia

(Mah-lah-gou-siá)

This ancient Greek varietal produces wine that is well balanced with notes of lemon peal, peach melon and exotic citrus. It was saved from almost going extinct and makes for a full body, aromatic wine.

Monemvassia

(Mōn-nem-vas-yá)

A beautiful and soothing floral wine that is full of subtle undertones of apricots and pears, pineapple and green apple and citrus.

Moschofilero

(Mohs-ko-feé-le-rho)

An aromatic white-pink varietal that is balanced with acidity. It is often spicy with lemon zest yet floral to the mouth with undertones of rose

Roditis

(Roh-theé-tees)

A popular white grape varietal of central Greece. It makes pleasant wines that are light with tones of citrus, apple and pear.

Vidiano

(Vee-diah-noh)

Indigenous and rare grape of Crete. It is used to produce dry white wines. An aromatic grape that is gaining attention in the wine world.

Red Grape Varietals

Agiorgitiko

(Ah-yor-yeé-ti-ko)

Translates to “St. George’s grape” An aromatic dark red grape varietal- makes big, bold and spicy reds. This grape also makes a distinctive and pleasant rosés. A poly-dynamic red varietal.

Aidani Mavro

(Ay-dá-ni Má-vro)

Indigenous variety to Paros and Naxos that is a rare form of the Cycladic Aidani varietal which is normally white.

Bekari

(Be-ká-ree)

A unique, rich grape from the mountains of Epirus (Western Greece). Sometimes blended with the Vlahiko grape. A varietal kept in existence by nomadic mountain shepherds.

Limnio

(Leém-ñio)

One of the oldest varieties on record, this red grape originates from the Greek island of Lemnos. Makes fruit forward red wines with silky tannins and great aging potential.

Mandilaria

(Māhn-dee-lar-yá)

A common and untamed red varietal from the Cyclades and Crete. To the mouth it offers a smooth and rich wine with hefty tannins and hints of plum, cherry, chocolate and vanilla.

Mavrotragano

(Mahv-ro-trá-ga-no)

Indigenous to Santorini, this grape has a low yield and produces a deep red wine, fruity to the nose and tastes full of red currents, spices, opulent fruit and black cherries.

Romeiko

(Roh-meï-ko)

A light red-skinned variety grown mainly in the region of Chania, in Crete. Normally used in Blanc de Noir vinification to produce a wine that has citrus and grassy notes.

Vlahiko

(Vlá-hee-ko)

Cultivated in the mountains of Epirus, this is a rustic red grape, normally blended with Bekari.

Voudomato

(Vou–thó-ma-to)

Translates to “the bull’s eye” because of the large rose grapes the vine produces. This is a rare rose varietal from Santorini that makes an excellent rosé.

Xinomavro

(Xee-nó-mahv-roh)

A bold and popular Greek grape in the north. Usually makes light colored red wine, but rich, full-bodied with notes of tomatoes and dark cherries