The Most Widely Planted Grape in Greece Is……..
SAVATIANO! This grape has been historically synonomous with Restina but now is used to blend with other higher acid grapes to produce elegant, well-balanced white wines. Papagiannakos Winery in Markopoulos is arguably the expert in producing Savatiano bottlings that do NOT resemble Retsina! Thank you, Vassilis.
Vassilis is the third-generati
on winemaker of the Papagiannakos Winery and relatively recently (2007) opened hismodern winery outside the village of Markopoulos in Attica, an area with a rich grape-growing past. In prior years, the winery was located in the center of the village, but Vassilis says he needed room to grow, but I believe he just wanted to be closer to the vines!
The current facility exists on the site of an old monastery and is near where the Temple of Artemis stood which at one point in time served as refuge for Dionysus, the god of wine. It also is the first winery in Greece to be built according to innovative bioclimatic standards. What are those you ask? Well, I know it has to do with sustainable architecture but I’m waiting for specifics from Vassilis as Google has failed me. Stay tuned!
After planting, growing, harvesting and experimenting with Savatiano for the past 100 years, Papagiannakos has become the hands-down expert on the potential of this grape. Of the 9 wines in his portfolio, 4 are variations of Savatiano.
–Savatiano, stainless steel fermented
–Retsina
–Savatiano, barrel fermented (Vareli)
–Savatiano, dessert wine
And, they are ALL incredible! I bought several bottles of the stainless and barrel fermented along with me to share with our friends in Sifnos, only 2 made it. It was too yummy! ☺
Next trip to Greece, check them out. They are only a 15 minute drive from Athens airport!
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The Greek Grape 