Greek Wine Seminar

I had a chance to attend a Greek Wine Seminar this week.
The seminar was held at 18 Reasons in Mission, followed by tasting.

There are international varieties in Greece but most PDO requires the use of local varieties.
Greece has overall hot Mediterranean climate.
Some vineyards experience very hot summer temperatures.
The strong winds from the ocean can even destroy unprotected vines.
The local varieties in Greece, although not very popular in international market, evolved to thrive under these severe conditions.

Santorini PDO is white wine, both dry and sweet, from a volcanic island.
The wine is made from local grape called Assyrtiko. It has high acid, stone fruit and saline flavor. The saltiness doesn't come from the grape. There is no scientific evidence, but it is said that it's because of the strong ocean mists, i.e., terroir.

Tyrnavos PGI is surrounded by mountains and it's very hot in summers, but native vines adapted well to the environment and doesn't need irrigation even when the temperature exceeds 100⁰F.
Domaine Zafeirakis Limniona 2013 is made from native red grape called Limniona.
The wine had red fruit and earthiness. The wines from hot climate tend to be very ripe and jammy, but this wine felt quite fresh.

Zitsa PDO has continental climate with cool summers and cold winters. Vineyards here are located at high elevation.

Domaine Glinavos Protos Inos Zitsa 2013 is made from 100% Debina grape.
The wine had simple apple flavor at first, then other fruit and mineral started to appear. Very good wine.
Paleokerisio is Orange wine. It tasted like whole Kumquat.

Domaine Economou Late Harvest Liatiko 2006 is, of course, late harvest sweet wine. Yet the flavor of concentrated fruit was like Port wine.

Most of the wines I tasted this day were made from local grapes which I'd never heard of.
Some were rustic, others were complex and sophisticated which I wondered why they were not used more widely in other countries.
On the other hand, I also hope these grapes would stay in their native land and keep their identity without being manipulated to satisfy the global market.