A Beginner’s Guide to Greek Wine: Discovering the Hidden Gems of Koul Agency

If you’re new to Greek wine, you’re not alone. While Greece has one of the oldest winemaking traditions in the world, its wines remain beautifully undiscovered by many. At Koul Agency, we’re here to introduce you to some of Greece’s most exciting native grape varieties—bottles that offer incredible flavour, history, and value.

Assyrtiko – The Crisp Citrus Powerhouse

Organically grown at 370 meters in the sulphur-rich, calcareous soils of Gipsades, Crete, this 100% Assyrtiko is a stunning example of the variety’s potential outside Santorini. With an ABV of 14%, it offers complex aromas of ripe citrus, green apple, and delicate minerality. On the palate, it delivers vibrant acidity, a structured mouthfeel, and a beautifully balanced finish with hints of pear and white peach. The wine’s zesty character and saline edge make it incredibly food-friendly.

Try it with: grilled sea bream dressed with lemon and herbs, shrimp saganaki with feta and tomato, or octopus marinated in olive oil and oregano. It’s also excellent with Cretan dakos and aged goat cheeses.

Vidiano – Crete’s Answer to Viognier

Vidiano is one of Crete’s rising white stars, and this organically farmed example showcases its richness and complexity. Grown in North Orthi Petra at altitudes up to 500 meters, the grapes are gently pressed and fermented in stainless steel before 5 months of ageing in French oak. With 13.9% alcohol and 6.4g/L acidity, this golden-hued wine shows aromas of peach, apricot, thyme, and subtle vanilla. The palate is full, smooth, and lightly oily with a balanced freshness and long, elegant finish.

Pair with: lemon chicken roasted with herbs and potatoes, pork tenderloin with apricot glaze, or butternut squash risotto. It also shines alongside grilled halloumi with honey and thyme or vegetarian moussaka.

Rosé Wines – Greece in a Glass

Victoria Rosé 2024: Named in honour of Victoria Zacharioudaki—wife of oenologist Stelios Zacharioudakis and mother of four—this organic and vegan rosé is a soulful blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Kotsifali. Grown on mountainous vineyards at 480–500m, it boasts a delicate onion-skin hue, fresh floral aromas, and juicy red fruit notes. On the palate, it's lively and refreshing, with bright acidity, subtle minerality, and a dry, elegant finish.

Enjoy this wine with: tzatziki, dolmadakia, grilled pita, and olives. It’s equally at home with fried calamari, watermelon and feta salad, grilled prawn skewers, or strawberry and arugula salad with balsamic drizzle.

Ati Rosé 2023: This 100% Xinomavro rosé hails from the heart of Naoussa, where old vines deliver intensity, finesse, and authenticity. A portion of the wine is matured in American oak barrels for eight months, lending a creamy, textured backbone to its crisp structure. Expect lifted aromas of red cherry, wild strawberry, and dried rose petals, supported by bright acidity and savoury depth. With its 14% ABV and graceful complexity, it is a rosé that stands apart.

Perfect with: grilled salmon and herbed couscous, pasta primavera, chicken souvlaki with pink peppercorn yogurt, or spicy tuna tartare. For a flavourful vegetarian pairing, try baked feta with roasted tomatoes and chilli flakes.

Kotsifali – Rustic, Earthy, and So Cretan

Zacharioudakis Kotsifali is a true taste of Crete—made from 100% Kotsifali grown at high altitude (470–500m) in Orthi Petra. Aged six months in French oak, this medium-bodied red (14% ABV) presents floral aromas alongside black cherry, clove, and earthy spice. Its round tannins and warm, peppery finish make it both easy to enjoy and surprisingly layered.

Enjoy with: lamb keftedes and minted yogurt, eggplant moussaka, or pork chops with rosemary. Pasta with sun-dried tomato and olives or aged Cretan graviera cheese also make excellent companions.

Xinomavro – Greece’s Answer to Nebbiolo

Argyrakis Ati Red 2019 is a single-varietal, old-vine Xinomavro is grown in Naoussa at 150–180m, on sandy clay-loam soils. The vines date back to 1979 and produce low yields of intensely flavoured fruit. The wine is aged 12 months in seasoned French oak and then one year in bottle, resulting in a beautifully structured, age-worthy red. With 14% ABV and a distinctive balance of acidity and tannin, it offers aromas of sour cherry, dried tomato, Kalamata olive, and forest floor, all tied together with earthy spice and fine grip.

Serve with: grilled lamb with rosemary, wild mushroom risotto, or stifado—a traditional Greek beef stew with pearl onions and cinnamon. Also great with hard cheeses or tomato-based pasta dishes.

Explore our collection and bring a taste of Greece to your table today.