Page 27 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Greek Islands

From the Vine
It is unsurprising that Dionysos, the Greek god TOP ISLAND
5
of feasting and revellry, developed a passion VINTNERS
for wine, as the Greek Islands have been
making and trading wine since Neolithic days. Nikos Gavalas, Crete
A taste of wine from the indigenous grape This sophisticated
varieties is like drinking the distilled essence winery first planted
of each island – and there are a number of small vines in 1906.
vintners across the Greek Islands who’ve been
busy reviving these legacy grapes, as well as Canava Roussos,
planting imported varieties and combining Santoríni
them imaginatively. Visit one of the more A vintner producing
well-known wineries, like Gentilini Winery on wines using traditional
Kefaloniá (2 km past Lassi, 26710 and modern techniques.
41618), which makes red,
white and roses, or Sigalas, Santoríni
have fun hunting Wines produced using
down the truly old grapes from the
rare, like the volcanic soil.
niche wine from Ariousos, Híos
Andipaxí, a A vintner reviving the
small island wine-making tradition
near Paxí. on Híos.
Methymneos, Lésvos
Wine from Lésvos has
Harvesting been famous since
grapes on Crete, antiquity; this winery
with vines continues the tradition.
stretching as far
as the eye can see

INSIDER TIP
Tisane as
a Tonic
Feeling worse for wear
after a few glasses of
tsikoudiá or local wine?
Sip some Greek sage tea
(alisfakiá) to say good-
bye to dull headaches.

Raising the Spirits
Each island has their specialty
clear spirit, which is often
flavoured with a mix of local
aromatics that will remain a
closely guarded secret – so
don’t ask! Ouzo, the Greek’s
tipple of choice, is best from
Lésvos, Sámos and Híos, and
varies in strength. In west
Crete, you should order the
grappa-like rakí, whereas on
eastern Crete, try tsikoudiá.
Corfu is famous for liqueur
flavoured with kum quats,
which you can sample on a Ouzo being served
tour of producer Mavromatis as an accompaniment
(www.kumquat.gr). to fresh seafood
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