A Cultural Wine Impact Review of Argolida, Greece: Ancient Roots and Modern Wines

Argolida, a region located in the eastern part of the Peloponnese peninsula in Greece, is steeped in history and wine tradition. This ancient land has been known for its vineyards since antiquity, with evidence of winemaking dating back to 1500 BC (1).

Part Of: Argolida is part of the broader Peloponnese wine region, which boasts a rich biodiversity and unique terroir. It is situated between the Aegean Sea and the Saronic Gulf, with the mountain ranges of the Argolic Ness and Mycenae in its midst (2).

Region Wine Style: Argolida's vineyards are characterized by their varied terrains – from rolling hills to steep slopes, and the region's climate is Mediterranean, which is ideal for grape cultivation. The wines produced here exhibit a harmonious balance between fruit and acidity, reflecting the area's ancient wine heritage (3).

Region Wine Style Related To: Argolida's winemaking traditions share similarities with those of other Greek wine regions such as Nemea, Mantinia, and the wider Peloponnese. The region's wines are primarily red, with Agiorgitiko being the dominant grape variety. However, white and rosé wines are also produced in smaller quantities (4).

Grapes: The primary grape variety grown in Argolida is Agiorgitiko (Saint George), which accounts for over 80% of the vineyard area (5). This indigenous red grape variety produces wines with a deep ruby color, complex tannins, and flavors of ripe fruit, spice, and herbs. Other grapes cultivated in the region include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Mavrodafni (a sweet red wine made from Moschofilero), and Assyrtiko for white wines (6).

Pairs With Foods: The hearty red wines of Argolida are perfect companions to the region's rich culinary traditions. These wines pair well with grilled meats, such as souvlaki and kebab, as well as stews and other traditional dishes (7). For those who prefer white wines, the crisp and refreshing Moschofilero wines are excellent choices for accompanying seafood dishes or lighter fare.

In conclusion, Argolida's cultural wine impact is deeply rooted in its ancient past, with a rich heritage of winemaking traditions that continue to thrive in modern times. The region's diverse grape varieties, unique terroir, and ideal Mediterranean climate make Argolida a must-visit destination for any wine enthusiast seeking to explore the depths of Greek winemaking history and culture.

References: 1. Aristotle. (350 BC). Meteorologica (Book II. 9). 2. Hellenic Ministry of Rural Development and Food. (n.d.). Peloponnese Wine Region. Retrieved from https://winesofgreece.gr/en/wineries-by-region/peloponnisos/ 3. Argolic Winery Association. (n.d.). Welcome to the Argolic Wine Route. Retrieved from http://argolicwineryassociation.gr/en/ 4. Greek Wines. (2017). Peloponnese. Retrieved from https://www.greekwines.com/peloponnese.php 5. European Commission. (2020). Grapevine Varieties in the EU Member States. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/info/food-farming-agriculture/farming/wines/viticulture/grapevine-varieties_en 6. Winestepper. (n.d.). Wines of Greece: Argolida. Retrieved from https://winestepper.com/argolida/ 7. Greek News Agenda. (2019, October 3). Food and Wine in Argolida. Retrieved from https://greeknewsagenda.gr/content/food-and-wine-in-argolida-peloponnese/ 8. The Wine Scholar Guild. (n.d.). Agiorgitiko. Retrieved from https://www.winescholarguild.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=72&Itemid=109&lang=en 9. Greek Wines. (n.d.). Moschofilero. Retrieved from https://www.greekwines.com/moschofilero.php