Athiri

Athiri is a white grape of the Greek Aegean, particularly associated with Rhodes and other islands where heat, wind and dry summers shape the vineyard. It offers a gentler introduction to Greek whites than the most forceful examples of Assyrtiko. Its character usually rests on quiet citrus and orchard fruit, with a relatively soft outline.

That restraint is useful in blends. Athiri can bring fragrance and a less severe texture to a wine without overwhelming its partners, and it appears alongside other local grapes in several island traditions. A label bearing a place name may therefore contain Athiri even when the variety is not the main name on the front.

Choose a young, dry bottle when freshness is the aim. It makes sense at a table of fish, vegetables, light starters and dishes dressed with lemon or olive oil, where a very aromatic wine might compete. Serve it cool and let the glass warm slightly; extreme cold can make an already subtle wine seem almost flavourless.