A brief intro to the world of the greek grapes. A list that is meant to be enriched as we go and remain in link to the relevant wines and wineries of our assortment!
Agiorgitiko (Aγιωργίτικο): A red grape variety and allegedly one of the most charming and noble varieties of Greece. Indigenous of Nemea, nontheless thanks to its versatility, Agiorgitiko graces us with its presence in more areas of the Greek peninsula as well. Given a careful cultivation and vinification, Agiorgitiko shall not fail you, either in its young and bold version or in its smooth and mature one (see Tristrato by Lacovino and Nemea Ergo by Lantides respectively).
Asyrtiko (Ασύρτικο): One of the most important white grapes of Greece, indigenous of the island of Santorini. Thanks to the robust character of the grape, its cultivation was spread all over the country. A wine made from Asyrtiko has a strong mineral character and distinctive acidity. Asyrtiko in Peloponnesos would preserve the above features untamed, yet would surprise our palate with a slightly enhanced fruity touch. A blend of Asyrtiko with other grapes of more fruity character is absolutely a wine not to miss! (see Little Ark white, by Lantides)
Augoustiatis (Aυγουστιάτης): A red grape variety, indigenous of south-western Greece. Augoustiatis is an extraordinary variety chosen only by a few wine farmers, mainly in Eleia, Peloponnesos and on the Zante island of the Ionian sea. The cultivation of Augoustiatis can be remarkably tedious and the yield of the harvest is usually low. Therefore a high quality bottle of 100% Augoustiatis is a real gem hard to find. Once you open the bottle though, you are introduced to a new wine experience full of ripe fruits, Mediterranean herbs and spices. (see Augoustiatis Red and Augoustiatis Rose by Ktima Brintziki).
Fileri (Φιλέρι): Fileri is one of the grapes with a grey-red skin colour that is used almost exclusively for the production of white wines. Definitely one of the most charismatic grape varieties, mostly cultivated in South Peloponnesos, Laconia. The aromatic spectrum of Fileri may include intense aromas of citrus blossoms and lychees, often accompanied by a herby character given by notes of mint. Note that, even when it's perfectly ripe, Fileri shall not fail to surprise you with its crispy acidity and its refreshing character (see Perivolos by Lacovino)!
Kydonitsa (Κυδωνίτσα): A white variety and one of the major constituents of what became known in the Middle Ages as Malvasia wine. This ancient grape variety was considered almost extinct for centruries. It was not until the early 21st century that the passionate efforts of wine farmers and producers blew a new life into her berries. Nowadays, she is known among the wine lovers as the Queen of Laconia. A grape with a unique primary aroma spectrum in which ripe quince prevails. The wine itself tends to be perfectly balanced, round and friendly to the palate. A Kydonitsa is normaly meant to be consumed upon its embottlement. It is not uncommon though to show a gentle ageing potential of up to 3, or 5 years even, under controlled conditions. (see Mesopyrgi for a single grape wine, Filosofia and Xefrago Ambeli for marvelous blends all by the Lacovino winery).
Malagousia (Μαλαγουζιά): A white grape, indigenous of central Greece (Aitoloakarnania). This grape belonged to the group of varieties on the verge of extiction until the relentless efforts of farmers and producers made her strong again! In the southern parts of the country like Peloponnesos, Malagousia is mainly used in blends for its highly rich primary aromas of exotic fruits, herbs and blossoms. (see Xefrago Ambeli by Lacovino and Little Ark white, by Lantides)
Maurodaphne (Μαυροδάφνη): A deep red grape traditionally found in the north-west Peloponnesos. For years, Maurodaphne was known as the major grape to make delicious fortified dessert wines. An exciting new world yet unexplored was revealed though once the first dry versions of Maurodaphne were produced. From dry to bone-dry, deep colour, almost black, with a spectrum of aromas including dried plums, black currant, green and black pepper, chocolate, tobacco, leather and a touch of bay leaf. (see Daphne Nera by Mercouri).
Mauroudi (Μαυρούδι): The name implies a grape with a very deep dark coloured skin, almost black. Homeland of Mauroudi is concidered to be the province of Thrace in the very north of Greece. However various strains of Mauroudi are cultivated by wine farmers in more areas of the country. Mauroudi found in Peloponnesos has its own identity and is concidered to be a cousin of Agiorgitiko. It shows rich primary aromas combining ripe red and dark fruits with a herby and slightly earthy touch. More often than not, Mauroudi is used in oak-friendly blends. For a special rosé blend of Mauroudi and Syrah, see Aparto by Lacovino.
Monemvasia (Μονεμβάσια): This is a white grape variety that has also been a major constituent of the Malvasia wine of the Middle Ages. A grape so delicate that its cultivation demands extreme vigilance, love and care is rightfully known as the Diva of the Castle-town (The grape is named after Monemvasia, the famous Castle-Town of Laconia). In its single-grape-vinification, the wine shall be on the bone-dry side of the spectrum, with prevailing aromas of citrus and white-flesh fruits. More often than not, Monemvasia will grace you with a touch of minerality. Surprisingly Monemvasia shall show generously her primary assets also in blends with other grapes (see Filosofia, and Xefrago Ambeli by the Lacovino winery)!
Roditis (Ροδίτης): Often mentioned as Red Roditis or Roditis Alepou (Fox Roditis), for the pale red colour of its skin. The cultivation of Roditis demands relatively high altitude vineyards usually over 400m. Widely known as the all-rounder grape of the Greek-wine-culture, due to the fact that it is found in vineyards literally all over the country. Make no mistake though, Roditis is a grape that can give excellent crispy and refreshing wines only in the hands of an expert (see Foloi Fume by Mercouri).
Tinaktorogos (Τινακτορώγος): Much more than just another beautiful white grape. Think of something so ancient and unique, that references of it date back to the days when Homer was writting his rhapsodies. Tinaktorogos is a grape so special and delicate that offers a green harvest by nature as it casts many of its flowers during the blossom period. The concentrated juices in the limited number of berries that remain can only be handled by the very best in order to maintain the complex primary aromas and develop into a legendary white. Nowadays this grape is cultivated exclusively by Ktima Brintziki and yes, THYRSUS proudly presents it as a real gem in his inventory! (see Tinaktorogos by Ktima Brintziki).
Xinomauro (Ξινόμαυρο): The undisputed red King of Northern Greece (Makedonia). Xinomauro is a grape that usually gives light to medium bodied wines with distinct aromas of sun-dried tomatoes, spices and gently biting tannins. In our collection you will find it in an exquisitely beautiful blend with Agiorgitiko (see Little Ark Red by Lantides).