Greece is one of the world’s oldest wine-producing countries. Grapes have been grown here for more than 4,000 years, and the country is home to a wealth of distinctive native varieties rarely found elsewhere. Yet Greek wine remains relatively little known in the Netherlands, which makes it all the more interesting to explore.
What makes Greek wine so special?
Greece has more than 300 native grape varieties, most of which are barely known beyond its borders. That is what makes Greek wine unique: you can discover flavours found almost nowhere else in the world. The combination of a Mediterranean climate, limestone soils and a centuries-old winemaking tradition produces wines with an unmistakable character of their own.
At Halfes, we select Greek wines from small-scale producers who put quality before quantity, such as Markou Vineyards.
Key Greek grape varieties
Malagousia
Malagousia is one of Greece’s most exciting white grape varieties. Once close to extinction, it was rescued in the 1980s by winemaker Evangelos Gerovassiliou. Malagousia produces aromatic, full-bodied white wines with notes of white flowers, peach and citrus.
Our Malagousia from Markou Vineyards, made in Attica, is a beautiful example of this distinctive variety.
Savatiano
Savatiano is Greece’s most widely planted grape variety and is grown mainly in Attica, the region surrounding Athens. Long underestimated, it can produce fresh, elegant white wines with lovely minerality in the hands of skilled winemakers.
Discover our Savatiano from Markou Vineyards, a surprisingly refined white wine.
Agiorgitiko
Greece’s leading red grape comes from Nemea in the Peloponnese. Agiorgitiko produces smooth, fruity red wines with aromas of cherries, plums and herbs. Approachable and versatile at the table.
Assyrtiko
Greece’s most famous white grape originates on the island of Santorini. Grown on volcanic soils, Assyrtiko produces dry, mineral white wines with high acidity and notes of lemon, green apple and sea salt. It is recognised worldwide as one of the great white grape varieties.
Markou Vineyards: a distinctive producer from Attica
Markou Vineyards is one of Greece’s most interesting wineries. Based in Attica, close to Athens, the Markou family works with native grape varieties in a way that brings tradition and modernity together. Their wines are fresh, elegant and excellent partners for Greek food.
At Halfes, our selection of Markou wines includes:
- Malagousia, aromatic and floral
- Savatiano, fresh and mineral
- Paleo, a distinctive red wine
- Théros, summery and approachable
- Phénomena, complex and individual
Which Greek wine should you pair with your food?
Greek wines are wonderfully versatile at the table:
- Fish and seafood: choose a fresh Malagousia or Savatiano.
- Grilled lamb: a red Paleo or Théros is ideal.
- Mezze and dips: a light white wine such as Savatiano is a perfect match.
- Cheese and olives: try Phénomena for a more complex pairing.
Discover Greek wine at Halfes
At Halfes, we offer a carefully curated range of Greek wines from Markou Vineyards, one of Greece’s most interesting producers. Wines with character, history and a story to tell.