You've no doubt heard of Champagne, spumante, and of course, California sparkling wines, but are you familiar with the delicate, refreshing sparklers from Greece?
Yes, Greece. One of that Mediterranean country's best-kept secrets is its delicate, sparkling wines, crafted from a variety of uniquely Grecian grapes, such as Athiri and Moschofilero.
History
It is widely believed that the cultivation of wine grapes, and winemaking as we know it today, can trace its root back to ancient Greece. In fact, it was the Greek seafaring merchants who taught the Franks (later the French) in Marseilles how to make wine as well as the Etruscans (later the Italians). Greek winemaking was also a significant part of the cultural package that ancient Rome assumed when they overran ancient Greece.
Greek Wine Today
In the 20th century, however, Greek wines were little known outside of their own country. The ones that were widely exported tended to be sweet ceremonial wines or bitter Retsina wines, not generally appealing without an acquired taste. Today, all of that is changing. Greek wines of all sorts are enjoying a renaissance and finding their way across to North America. Particularly enjoyable are the light, refreshing sparkling wines.
Greek Sparklers
Unlike Champagne, which is traditionally crafted from mostly Chardonnay grapes, the sparkling wines of Greece are crafted from grapes that grow well only in Greece -- the Athiri and the Moschofilero grapes.
The Athiri grape has historically been used in combination with other grape varietals to augment the fruit flavors of other, more acidic grapes. It's a pale, medium-sized grape that adds a light, floral bouquet to wine. On the island of Rhodes, the unique island climate and gentle breezes combine to create Athiri grapes with a complex, rich texture, capable of standing on their own. It is these grapes that create the wonderful sparkling wines of Rhodes.
Moschofilero grapes are the rising stars of the Greek wine world. It is interesting that a grape that can trace its history in the Peloponnesus back to the Middle Ages should take so long in becoming popular. Moschofilero is a grape that thrives in higher altitudes where the geography and climate combine to create high-alcohol wines with a low acidity. At its best, Moschofilero gives off soft hints of rose petals.
Finding Greek Sparkling Wines in North America
Greek sparkling wines are just starting to be noticed and become available in the United States and Canada. Several distributors, such as Athenee Importers of Hampsted New York and Athena Importers of Astoria New York are importing Greek sparklers into the United States. If your wine store or favorite restaurant hasn't discovered them yet, make sure to ask for them. It's well worth the extra effort.
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