Staff Pick Greek Wines
Greece’s rare grapes and unique growing traditions make way for wines that are both surprising and realiable. Pick up stunning whites for seafood pairings, well-aged reds, and approachable skin-contact options.
“Paleokerisio” Dom. Glinavos $13.99
The combination of the flavors of apple pie and baking spice, a gentle tannic grip, and the tickle of bubbles make this a singular tasting experience. It’s the type of stuff that’ll make you want more. – Chung Park, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Limnio, Tatsis $21.96
Limnio is not a very well known grape variety, but it has a long history in Greece. It produces medium-bodied wines with red fruit notes and pleasant herbal notes, both in the nose and on the palate. Earthy and fresh at the same time, I would compare this wine to a smooth French Cabernet Franc. – Andrea Fraccari, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Terra Ambera, Garalis $21.96
This is an intensely aromatic wine made from the Muscat of Alexandria variety. It also sees some extended skin contact during the winemaking process, allowing for more texture, body and aroma. If you haven’t dipped your toes into the pool of orange wines, this is a great place to start. – Bambi Ray, Sales Manager
Atlantis White Santorini, Argyros $26.96
Looking for a great alternative to Chablis? Assyrtiko is a Greek varietal grown primarily on the windswept island of Santorini. The grape offers lean minerality and high acidity, but is not quite as steely or austere as Chablis can be. – Bambi Ray, Sales Manager
Goumenissa, Dom. Tatsis $36.96
This wine is a rare opportunity to drink a well-aged Greek red in its peak drinking window. A mix of blackberry, dried cherries, and violets greets you on the nose, while on the palate secondary and tertiary notes like balsamic, olive tapenade, tomato leaf, and black pepper come through in waves. A rustic, savory blend of the indigenous grapes Xinomavro and Negoska, you will be in heaven drinking it with herbed lamb and potatoes. – Jon Miner, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Assyrtiko “Thalassitis” Santorini, Gai’a $36.99
Gai’a’s flagship wine comes from 70-80 year old own-rooted vines grown on volcanic soil on Santorini. For fans of powerful and distinctive white wines, this Assyrtiko showcases remarkable minerality with a rich mouthfeel. A must try with oily fish! – Alex Malecki, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant