Sklava

The Best Wine & Deli in Athens

Type: White, Dry
Category: Varietal Wine
Varieties: 100% Sklava
Producer: Zacharias Winery
Region: Nemea

Where does it come from?

Sklava is a unique, ancient Greek variety, one of the oldest in the Greek vineyard. It was planted alongside Agiorgitiko in Nemea, preserved, and revived by agronomist and viticulturist Ilias Zacharias. Today, it is cultivated, vinified, and bottled exclusively by the Zacharias Winery. The first single-varietal bottling of Sklava took place in 2014.

Bright, medium lemon-green color with gray highlights. Aromas of citrus fruits, fresh stone fruits, and a herbal character on the nose. On the palate, moderate acidity, medium body, and flavors of pear, green apple, and lemon, with herbal hints of tea leaves and chamomile. Long finish.

The variety...

Sklava is one of Greece’s oldest indigenous grape varieties, deeply rooted in the winegrowing traditions of the Peloponnese. Once widespread in regions like Nemea, Corinth, and Argolis, this rare white grape nearly vanished in the late 20th century, overshadowed by more commercially viable varieties such as Roditis. Fortunately, a revival effort led by the Zacharias family winery in Nemea has brought Sklava back into the spotlight, offering wine lovers a chance to rediscover its unique character.

Discover the unique character of the grape by choosing one of Cinque’s wine tastings or enjoy it by the glass at wine bars in Athens.

The winery...

Zacharias Winery sits just outside Nemea, right across from the hill where the ancient city of Phleious once stood— the land of the legendary Phliasian wine. They have bottled their own wines since 2002, but their story stretches back much further. Founded by Ilias Zacharias, an agronomist with decades of experience in Nemea’s vineyards, the winery has become one of the most recognized names in the region. Their focus? Showcasing Agiorgitiko and Sklava on both a Greek and international level, producing wines that balance quality and accessibility, and maintaining a deep respect for both nature and tradition.