International grape varieties

International grape varieties for red wines

Cabernet Sauvignon
For some, Cabernet Sauvignon is the best red varietal worldwide. This top French varietal has found its way in Peloponnese as well, being at its best in the area of Trifilia, Messinia. In Peloponnese it is found as a single variety but also in blends, often with Agiorgitiko, adding a wild and restless character, and giving higher aromatic complexity, that can be compared to the well-known Italian wines “Super Tuscans”.

Merlot
Merlot is the second most popular French red grape variety in the world after Cabernet Sauvignon and has found some plantation spots in Peloponnese, mainly in its more wet vineyards, since it loves humidity. It produces some single-variety wines, once of very high in quality, and is used in several blends.

Pinot noir
Although it has a different aromatic and taste profile, Pinot noir is limited in Peloponnese, yet produces red wines which definitely maintain the nobility of the variety.

Refosco
Refosco is a historical variety for Peloponnese since it was imported from Italy by a particular winery in the 19th century and thus was widely spread across its western part.

Syrah
Although Syrah has given great wines in many parts of Greece, it is not widely cultivated in Peloponnese. However, there is a substantial number of Syrah vineyards producing very good to top results, thanks to the authenticity of Peloponnesian vineyards allowing Syrah to develop its exuberant characteristics.

International grape varieties for white wines

Viognier
A rare varietal worldwide, Viognier is nicely hosted in Peloponnesian vineyards and has few yet good samples of plantations and wines here. In Peloponnese white Viognier wines maintain some of the features they are famous for, like their fruity, flowery and spicy aromas and their soft mouth with density.

Gewurztraminer
The presence of the highly exotic Gewurztraminer in Peloponnese is limited, yet its quality is great. It maintains the explosive nose, with the exoticism and the rich mouth of its white wines.

Chardonnay
Possibly the most famous white grape variety in the world, Chardonnay thrives in Peloponnese as well. It is not only widely spread, but has also acclimatized so well in the area of Trifilia that even the natives consider it to be one of their own varieties. The fairly warm climate of the area and the sun gives Chardonnay wines exotic aromas and rich taste with volume, which expresses Peloponnesian terroirs.

Sauvignon Blanc
Despite the warm Greek climate, Sauvignon Blanc thrives and offers good wines when planted in coolest, even mountainous vineyards of Peloponnese and beyond. In Peloponnese it manages to maintain its widely-loved profile with its explosive and refreshingly aromatic character and crisp acidity. The features of the Peloponnese vineyards and the state-of-the-art wine-making technology make Sauvignon Blancs more exotic and mature here, although they maintain their high acidity and rich herbal aromas.

Trebbiano (Ugni Blanc)
Trebbiano (Ugni Blanc) is cultivated in different parts of Peloponnese and in the rest of Greece and is mostly used in wine blends to increase their acidity.