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About Greek Wines, History
Wine was introduced into Greece around 4000 BC and it is said that it was known to the Minoan and Mycenaean civilizations. Ancient Greeks considered that wine was a gift from the gods. They worshiped Dionysus, a creature with the mind of man and the instincts of a beast, as god of wine. Dionysus, son of Zeus the father of the Gods, is said to have been born from the thigh of the almighty Zeus. Festivals honouring Dionysus were held during winter months and were celebrated by performing arts, elaborate dancing and wine drinking. Vineyards, grapes and wine drinking festivities were painted on hundreds of ancient Greek artefacts of clay, marble and metal signifying the relationship that the Ancient Greeks had with wine production and consumption.
Greek White Wines
Greece produces many fine white wines, with several from the volcanic soils of Santorini particularly well suited to the beginning connoisseur of Greek wines. The Agiorgitiko variety of grape is showing up in the exports and is worth sampling.
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Ancient Greek drawing displaying the birth of Dionysus |
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Greek Red Wines
Rich, dry, and bold, the red wines of Greece perfectly accompany the many casseroles and northern meat-heavy dishes, but they are also perfect for drinking with a plate of appetizers while watching the sunset over the Aegean Sea.
Greek Dessert Wines
Greece shines in the production of dessert wines, from Mavrodaphne, through light and sweet Samos and the rich red Vin Santo. Fortified sweet wines such as the Cyprian wine Commandaria, once a favourite of the Knights Templar posted in Rhodes, are also excellent. So slice off a bit of baklava or some galactobouriko, and raise a glass of any of these.
A Famous Greek Wine - Retsina
Usually found as a white wine but occasionally as a rosé, the piney tang and aroma of Retsina is an acquired taste for many. For the uninitiated, and for wine purists, take that first sip as you would an unusual liqueur. But like ouzo, Retsina is an ideal accompaniment for the salty and spicy Greek appetizers called mezes, and it goes well with most Greek dishes.
All of the abovementioned Greek wines imported to Australia by Miloway Pty Ltd.
About Cyprian Wines, History
CYPRUS is an island of incomparable ancient sites and a wealth of romantic legends. From ancient and mediaeval references and writings it is evident that Cyprus Wines enjoyed a high reputation in both classical and mediaeval times. Several Archaeological findings, ancient references and writings have proved that the wine making in Cyprus has a tradition so old that its' beginning is impossible to trace. Even Homer speaks of the excellent quality of Cyprus wines.
The wine vineyards of Cyprus are mostly on the southern slopes of the Troodos mountain range; the island's long, sunny Mediterranean summers ripen the fruit and give it its full flavour. Winters are mild, and the gentle Cypriot breezes keep frosts in check, dispel the fogs and protect the island's vines and grapes. Cyprus ranks among the oldest wine producing countries of the world. Very few places are so ideally situated and adapted as Cyprus, for the growing of the Vine. The rich soil, the Mediterranean sunshine and the right climatic conditions of Cyprus are all ideal for the production of quality grapes Cyprus remains one of the few phylloxera-free wine-producing countries in the world.
All of the abovementioned Cyprian wines imported to Australia by Miloway Pty Ltd.
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