Ionian Islands wines try these six wines, recommended by Deep Blue Yachting. Vines – the kind used for wine-making anyway – can trace their roots back to Greece. The plants were growing on its shores well before anyone in Northern Europe. Had even heard of it, or in-fact its produce. The country is one of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world. With the earliest evidence of Greek wine dated to around 4,500 B.C. Production of wine was then, on a household or communal basis.
History of Greek Wine
In ancient times as trade in wine became extensive. Transportation was active from one end of the Mediterranean to the other. Leading to Greek wine having a high prestige in Italy under the Roman Empire. In the medieval period, wines exported from Crete and other Greek ports fetched high prices in northern Europe.
Ancient Greeks
The Ancient Greeks traded their wines throughout the known world by ship, inside sealed amphorae. These are large ceramic pots with a pointed base and two handles at the neck. The pointed base facilitated transport by ship. Packed upright on a shelf with holes cut to hold them and rope through the handles.
Village Wines:
First, I would like to let you in on a big secret. Krasi is Greek for wine and it comes from the Greek word krasis. Meaning something that is a mixture or blended. Okay, it’s not a big secret but if you didn’t know about it before, you do now.
Made with no additives Village ‘Krasi‘ does not keep for long. You can find this wine in most of the tavernas and restaurants on all the islands. Served in a jug and is what I would describe as cheap and cheerful. You can get Red or White, or mix red with white to get the British favourite Rose. Most of the Greek people I know make their own. Even those that don’t make it still drink the local village wines. Try it, I like it, and most of my family and friends drink it while they are visiting the islands.
Greek Wine Industry
The Greek wine industry has been attempting to improve things. With a massive investment and modern technology for wine making. The new generation of native winemakers is being trained in the best wine schools around the world. Their efforts are paying off. Greek wines continue to receive the highest awards in international competitions. Also the recognition they deserve throughout the world.
Ionian Islands Wines I Recommend:
The large variety of grapes found on the Ionian Islands. The Greek climate of plentiful sunshine, a small amount of rainfall and its fertile soils. All combine to provide an excellent environment to create high quality wines. Here are six excellent wines for you to try while on your holidays in the Greek Islands.
Siflogo
“Siflogo” is native to Lefkada. It is instantly recognizable thanks to its depiction of Odysseus’s return to his beloved island Ithaca, on it’s label. The viniculture and wine production was the main business of the Siflogo family many generations ago. Nowadays, only a limited number of these pure wines constitute their yearly production. Lefkas “Vardea” grapes are mixed with “Chlori” and “White Vartzamo” which gives this wine an intense colour. A natural fermentation process, then a small period of time in oak barrels. This makes this wine ideal to drink with seafood, cheese, white meat, and fruit. For those of you who like a sweet and fruity wine, serve this wine cool to delight the senses. Enjoy.
Dry Red Vertzami, Dry White Vardea
Another of the Ionian Islands wines, is the winery Lefkas Earth. Owed by Dimitris Rompotis, this vineyard produces two indigenous varieties: white Vardea and red Vertzami. The latter covers 70% of the Islands’ vineyards and is also planted in small quantities in Achaia and Corfu. Lefkada Earth’s total annual production is 100,000 bottles. Of which 30% is exported and the rest is sold locally or online. The local White Vardea has a tropical character with flavours reminiscent of melon, banana and grapefruit. The deep red colour variety of the island was stored in oak barrels of different ages. Giving a wine with dense black and red fruits, the oak somewhat dominates the palate. Ripe and fleshy tannin.
Ionian Islands Wines, Robola Dry White
The beautifully green and mountainous island of Cephalonia. Recognized as the most important of the Ionian Islands for the production of new style Greek wines. The native Tsaoussi and Robola grapes are the local viticultural treasures together with small quantities of Mavrodaphne and white Muscat. The Robola Cooperative of the Island of Cephalonia acquired its own winery in 1983. Below the slopes of Mount Aenos at 410 meters, this winery is located in the centre of the Robola Zone. The Monastery of Saint Gerassimo, who is the patron Saint of the island, is close by.
Robola has a crisp freshness. This is caused by a slightly high acidity of the grapes. It is a lovely, fresh young white wine with body and structure. The wine has a clear and clean yellow colour, which has a distinctive a citrus flavour to it. It is a lovely, fresh young white wine with body and structure. It is one of my favorite dry wines.
Ionian Islands Wines, 
Majies Neukades Dry Red
Plagies Lefkadas (Lefkas Hills) is another winery on the island of Lefkada. The vineyards received this named because they are covering the mountain’s hillsides. Here the plants are collecting the proper sun light during the summer months. While the blowing winds are keeping the atmosphere clear. This keeps away humidity effectively helping against the cryptogam plant’s growth. With a vivid red colour, this red wine has fine aromatic flavours of fresh spices. It is a solid and robust wine, of the Vertzami grape variety .
Karsanikos Dry Red
This wine comes from vines of the verjami variety, grown in Karya, Lefkada at an altitude of 550meters. Vinified by the classic method of red wine and aged for 12 months in oak barrels.
Try these Ionian Islands wines for yourself on a yachting holiday with Deep Blue Yachting. We can have them on-board ready for you when you arrive. You can also visit these vineyards in their beautiful locations in the mountains and hills, and do a bit of wine tasting before you buy.
I will be happy to answer any questions, or comments that you may have. So please feel free to leave them.
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