Cheers to Greek Wine!

This is the last of Jane Behrend’s trip reports on her recent visit to Greece with Pax More.

Retsina may be the best-known Greek wine, but it’s far from being the best. With a viniculture heritage that stretches back more than 6,500 years — and 28 main wine producing regions and 20 indigenous grape varieties — Greece now produces some of the best vintage in the Mediterranean region.

During my recent trip to Greece with Pax More, I had a chance to explore (and taste wine) in one of those areas — the Nemea Wine Region on the Peloponnese Peninsula.

Just a short drive from Athens, the Nemea Appellation lies just across the Isthmus of Corinth (I just love saying that) on the northwest corner of the famed peninsula. Beyond fine wine, the area is known for its charming old towns, beaches and historic ruins. There’s enough to keep you busy for a weekend or even an entire month if you’re really into great food, wine and antiquities.

Wine has been produced in Nemea for millennia, mostly for local consumption. While I’m no wine expert, I found the wines quite good, especially the Rosé at Domaine Skouras. I normally don’t care for Rosé because I don’t like sweet wines. But their Cuvee Prestige Rosé — made from 70% Agiorgitiko and 30% Moscofilero grapes — was just the thing to refresh on a hot afternoon.

Founded in 1986 by George Skouras after earning an oenology degree in France, Domaine Skouras produces a range of other amazing wines including a Cuvee Prestige Red (90% Agiorgitiko, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon) and Cuvee Prestige White (70% Roditis, 30% Moscofilero).

Pax More can arrange a dedicated wine tour that includes several Greek appellations or a tour of the Peloponnese that includes the popular Skouras winery and the region’s other sights.

Read More