50 Great Greek Wines at the wine & gastronomic elite of Paris

With the support of the Greek National Tourism Organisation

On Tuesday, October 8, Paris became the fifth stop in a series of highly successful and innovative promotional activities organised by 50 Great Greek Wines (50 GGW) in strategically selected foreign markets. With the support of the Greek National Tourism Organization, 50 Great Greek Wines | Panorama in Paris showcased a range of award-winning wines from all three 50 GGW lists conducted so far through two different events. These included a masterclass gathering of top professionals from the Paris market and a tasting dinner where selected wines from the list were served alongside the iconic dishes of the 3-star Michelin restaurant Alléno in Paris, led by legendary chef Yannick Alléno. 

The presentation of the 18 wines participating in the masterclass, held at Hôtel Fauchon at Place de la Madeleine in central Paris, was presented by 50 GGW founder Yiannis Karakasis MW, with guest French Master of Wine Jeremy Cukierman (Head of Communications/Sustainability at Artemis Domains Group). The event was attended by 30 top professionals, including sommeliers from leading two-star and three-star restaurants such as Plénitude ***, Hôtel de Crillon (ranked among the 50 Best Hotels of the World), Maison Ruggieri **, Le Taillevent **, Parcelles, Le Petit Sommelier, as well as wine directors from Cheval Blanc Group, Anne Sophie Pic, wine journalists, and importers who have already played a crucial role in promoting Greek wines in France.

Jeremy Cukierman MW commented: “Yiannis Karakasis MW is a leading ambassador of Greek wines worldwide. Together with his excellent partner, Grigoris Michailos, they organised two high-level events. The selected wines were perfectly presented, highlighting the diversity of Greek vineyard terroirs, varieties, and microclimates. Seeing exceptional Greek wines performing better and better in the French market is fantastic. With events like these, Greece and its top producers will gain more ambassadors and supporters.”

That same evening, the VIP dinner at the three-star Alléno Paris in the historic Pavillon Ledoyen, on the banks of the Champs-Élysées, near the Grand Palais and Petit Palais, gave important guests the opportunity to taste the “Panorama of 50 GGW” alongside the pinnacle of French gastronomy. Among the guests were Masters of Wine, Master Sommeliers, wine directors from restaurant groups, journalists, and the Academy Chair of France for the 50 Best Restaurants.

Yiannis Karakasis MW emphasised the importance of these events, stating: “The quality of Greek wines has never been higher, and it’s exciting to see Greek wines being so well received in Paris and served in restaurants like Yannick Alléno’s, which represents the best of French gastronomy. The wines presented demonstrate the incredible potential of native varieties on the international stage. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the GNTO for its continued support of 50 Great Greek Wines and to Riedel, the event’s gold sponsor.”

France, a market with a vast wine culture and tradition, has shown growing interest in Greek wine in recent years. The total value of Greek wine exports to France amounts to €6.6 million (similar to that of the UK), making it one of the most significant European markets.

The launch of a series of targeted activities by 50 GGW in the French market aims to showcase the potential of Greek wine and enhance its image among top-level market professionals.

The wines presented at the Masterclass were:

  1. Ktima Gerovassiliou, Malagousia 2023, Epanomi
  2. Moinoterra Winery, Vilana 2023, Crete
  3. Oenops Wines, Vidiano 2022, Crete
  4. Amargiotakis Winery, Thrapsathiri 2022, Crete
  5. Douloufakis Winery, Aspros Lagos 2023, Vidiano, Crete
  6. Petrakopoulos Winery, Thymari Petras 2022, Robola, Cephalonia
  7. Tiniaki Ampelones, “Clos Stegasta” 2022, Assyrtiko, Tinos
  8. Artemis Karamolegos Winery, “34” 2022, Assyrtiko, Santorini
  9. Gavalas Winery, “Enalia” 2022, Assyrtiko, Santorini
  10. Kechris Winery, Tear of the Pine NV, Assyrtiko, Macedonia
  11. Mega Spileo Estate, Mega Spileo Orange 2017, Roditis/Malvasia, Peloponnese
  12. Troupis Winery, Hoof & Lur 2023, Moschofilero, Peloponnese
  13. Ktima Zafeirakis, Limniona Young Vines 2020, Tyrnavos, Thessaly
  14. Makarounas Vineyards, Yiannoudi 2022, Cyprus
  15. Athanasiou Winery, Thronos 2023, Agiorgitiko, Nemea
  16. Mitravelas Winery, Estate Red 2022, Agiorgitiko, Nemea
  17. Alpha Estate Ecosystem Xinomavro Reserve Vieilles Vignes Single Block “Barba Yannis” 2020, Amyntaio
  18. Kir-Yianni Estate, Ramnista 2020, Xinomavro, Naoussa

The wines accompanying the unique creations of Chef Yannick Alléno were:

  1. Makarounas Vineyards, Spourtiko 2023, Paphos, Cyprus
  2. Troupis Winery, Route Gris 2023, Moschofilero, Peloponnese
  3. Alpha Estate, Rosé Single Vineyard Hedgehog 2023, Xinomavro, Amyntaio
  4. Ktima Gerovassiliou, Malagousia 2023, Epanomi
  5. Oenops Wines, Vidiano 2022, Crete
  6. Gavalas Winery, Santorini Natural Ferment 2023, Assyrtiko, Santorini
  7. Tiniaki Ampelones, “Clos Stegasta” 2022, Assyrtiko, Tinos
  8. Kechris Winery, Tear of the Pine NV, Assyrtiko, Macedonia
  9. Ktima Zafeirakis, “TerraCotta” 2022, Limniona, Tyrnavos, Thessaly
  10. Tiniaki Ampelones, “Clos Stegasta” 2020, Mavrotragano, Tinos
  11. Petrakopoulos Winery, Muscat of Cephalonia 2022, Cephalonia 

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