MONTREAL – Greek wines continue to impress wine connoisseurs around the world. A recent article in the Montreal Times highlighted Greek white wines on June 23, noting that “Greek wine culture goes back to as early as 4000 BC when the first wild vines were domesticated in the northern region,” and “Greece has more than 200 native wine  grapes that include Xinomavro, Assyrtiko, Agiorgitiko, Savatino, and Roditis.”

“Greece is blessed with a rich and varied terroir, from mountains to lush valleys and volcanic  islands,” the Times reported, adding that “the soil is quite healthy and the temperature is quite clement, with plenty of sunshine in the summer and warm autumn.”

The “dynamic Montreal agency” Oenople, “the brainchild of Theo Diamantis” was also highlighted by the Times for introducing many “artisanal producers such as Hatzidakis, Thymiopoulos, and Argyros,” to wine connoisseurs in the area.

The late winemaker Harimidos Hatzidakis in Santorini, was noted for producing “piercing Assyrtiko white wines,” the Times reported.

The varietal Roditis “via the amazing Tetramythos producer in the Peloponnese region,” was also noted by the Times as it “can be used to create light white wines with notes of citrus, almonds and minerals,” and “the wines can be light to medium bodied, quite modest but in the hand of talented winemakers such as the Spanos brothers, it can reach greatness.”

Thymiopoulos Vineyards according to the Times “had a cult following among the natural wine cognoscenti of Montreal,” and “back in the day, his rose from Xinomavro used to sell privately and always was selling out fast.”

Sclavos was also highlighted by the Times as “a winemaking dynasty [that] still carefully tends their vineyards under a biodynamic philosophy,” and “the mantra of the winery is to craft wines that are a reflection of  the terroir of Cephalonia, with fauna, flora, soil, and micro-climate all adding to the diverse influences on the vine and cultivars.”

The Times also noted three Greek white wines to try:

“Tetramythos 2019 Roditis Patras, 100% Roditis – Very fragrant with soft aromas of pear, lemon blossom and a hint of apricot. Medium body and crisp with mineral notes. Long and lingering finale recalling green apple. For $15, it is unbeatable in amazing quality. Perfect for poultry BBQ dishes.

“Domaine Sclavos Alchymiste 2019, 50% roditis, 10% vostilidi, 10% zachyntino, 10% tsaousi, 10% moschatela et 10% robola – A beautiful exotic white perfect for a warm summer evening. Floral with nuances of orchard fruit and a ravishing minerality. On the palate, is quite ample enveloping your palate with its citrusy undertones. Very long aftertaste.Lots of quality for under $20. This wine should be great with grilled fish or oysters.

"Thymiopoulos Atma 2019, 70% xinomavro (blanc de noirs), 30% malagousia – This is quite the wine for under $15. Beautiful tropical fruit undertones combined with sensational mineral and floral tones. On the palate, it is light to medium body with lots of citrus character. Incredible mouthfeel and elegance. This is the wine to have with fish,” the Times reported.