Christmas in Greece brings long tables, slow meals and conversations that unravel like silk threads, especially when the wine is as thoughtfully chosen as the company. This year, the country’s vineyards offer a quietly dazzling palette: a citrus‑bright Pét‑nat from Samos that feels like opening a window to the sea, aromatic blends from Thebes that carry the whisper of mountain herbs, an elegantly oaked Kydonitsa from Nemea with golden restraint and polish, a youthful, modern reading of Rapsani’s classic red trio, and a late‑harvest Muscat whose natural sweetness seems engineered for winter’s spiced pastries.
These bottles don’t overshadow the food; they frame it, adding lift where a dish turns opulent, depth where flavors grow earthy, and a sense of continuity from the first canapé to the final sugared forkful. Think of this as your festive compass, a small, curated map aligning Greek tradition with five wines that make the holiday table not just abundant, but quietly exquisite.
Our shortlist
01
Kostaki Ancestral Method Brut Nature 2023
02
Mpatsakis Kadmos Malagousia / Assyrtiko 2024
03
Zacharias Lexis K Kydonitsa 2024
04
Simogiannis Rapsani 2024
05
Papargyriou Late Harvest Muscat of Rio 2024
01
Kostaki Winery – Pet Nat (Muscat of Samos)
A pét-nat (short for ‘pétillant-naturel’) is a lightly sparkling wine made by bottling a still‑fermenting juice so the bubbles form naturally. This one, from Samos muscat, opens with bright layers of lemon, green apple, pear, citron, and lemon blossom. Subtle dough notes add a soft, savory edge that deepens the aroma. On the palate it stays light and agile, driven by crisp acidity and fine, persistent bubbles that carry the citrus cleanly through the finish.
Food pairing: Amuse-bouche, charcuterie and canapés.
02
Batsakis Family – Kadmos Malagousia / Assyrtiko 2024
From a family rooted in Thebes, this blend brings Malagousia’s perfume and Assyrtiko’s backbone together. Malagousia typically shows stone‑fruit and floral notes, while Assyrtiko adds citrus lift and structure – and you taste that here: apricot alongside lemon blossom and jasmine. The body is moderately rich with a soft, slightly oily texture, and the balanced acidity keeps the aromatics vivid and the palate tidy.
Food pairing: Green salads, cheese platters, and small shared meze.
03
Zacharias Winery – Lexis K Kydonitsa 2024
Kydonitsa is a rare Peloponnesian white that often shows quince‑and‑citrus character; here it’s given extra dimension by fermentation and four months in oak. The barrel work broadens the frame without masking the grape’s charm, so aromas of quince, bergamot, apricot, lime zest, butter, vanilla, and nuts move in layers. On the palate, there’s real volume, carried by ripe fruit and gentle oak – rich yet balanced, not heavy.
Food pairing: White meats, especially stuffed turkey.
04
Simogiannis Vineyards – Rapsani 2024
Rapsani is traditionally a three‑grape blend – Xinomavro for structure, Stavroto for spice, Krassato for fruit – and this youthful project leans into that profile. You get the signature tomato and herbal notes, plus red, slightly unripe fruits. High acidity gives a firm backbone, while carefully shaped tannins keep the frame supportive rather than heavy, so the fruit stays front and center.
Food pairing: Osso buco or beef stew with thick pasta.
05
Papargyriou Winery – Late Harvest Muscat of Rio 2024
Late‑harvest Muscat means the grapes hang longer on the vine, concentrating sugar and aroma—think floral lift with apricot, nectarine, and blossom honey. Here the sweetness is refined rather than sticky, kept in check by lively acidity so it never feels heavy. The result is a harmonious, well‑structured dessert wine that nods to winter pastries without trying to out‑sweet them.
Food pairing: Apricot or lemon tarts, syrupy pastries, and blue cheeses.
