Wines of Lesvos

The devastating phylloxera that hit the island at the end of the 19th century resulted in the significant limitation of viticulture (Επώνυμο Ελληνικό Κρασί – Wines of Greece) in Lesvos. Today the most important vineyards are located in Karyona Skopelos Geras, in the mountainous region of Megalochori Plomari, in the plain of Kalloni and throughout the western volcanic part of the island. In recent years, some efforts have been made for high quality wines with a special character.

HYDIRA & KALLONI’s VARIETY

Local red variety. We find it in the volcanic lands of western Lesvos, centered on the village of Hydira and, as its second name indicates, in the wider area of Kalloni. It has a dense cluster with a large pink stripe. The wines of the variety are characterized by aromas of rose, forest fruits, cinnamon, while there is a strong presence of minerality due to the volcanic soil, which gives them a long aftertaste. This particular variety is also vinified on the island as a white wine with excellent results.

FOKIANO

A red variety that produces wine and table grapes, it is found in Aegean vineyards and gives red dry as well as sweet wines. In Lesbos and in many areas of the eastern Mediterranean, the name Rikara or Eri karas is used, which means black plum. The large black stripes on the dense bunch gave it its second name.

MANDILARIA

On the island we also meet it under the names Gdura or Vapsa. In the wind-swept and sun-scorched vineyards of this island, it acquires characteristics beyond the ordinary: deep dark color, aromas of overripe fruit, animal aromas and medium body, with unruly, firm tannins. Usually combined with other varieties, it gives excellent results. In Lesvos, it is vinified together with Fokiano and Syrah in an excellent wine, aged six months in a barrel, with a strong identity, a long aftertaste and strong aromas.

ALEXANDRIA MOSCHATO & WHITE MOSCHATO

Although the Moschato of Alexandria was planted in Greece only at the beginning of the 20th century, its love for the heat helped it to acclimatize perfectly in our country and give its best results in the vineyards of the Northeast Aegean. The volcanic soils of Western Lesvos bring out the main characteristics of the variety: distinctive aromas, hints of apricot and mint and a relatively rich body.

White Moschato, an important variety of the Eastern Mediterranean, has been known since ancient times. The sloping mountain vineyards and the Aegean climate of Lesvos are responsible for the results of its cultivation on the island.

In smaller quantities, the wine-making varieties Athiri, Assyrtiko and Begleri are grown on the island.

There are three modern wineries operating on the island with wines of high quality and special character. They are open for wine lovers to tour the vineyards, their cool cellars and the secrets of tasting.

WINERIES TO VISIT

Akritos wine Lesvos’ winery  ΑΚΡΗΤΟΣ ΟΙΝΟΣ – ΟΙΝΟΠΟΙΕΙΟ Ι.Κ.Ε. (akritosoinos.gr)

Oinoforos estate Κτήμα Οινοφόρος – Χώρος Δεξιώσεων Γάμου & Βάφτισης (ktimaoinoforos.gr)

Methymnaeos winery Home (methymnaeos.com)