Freedom Beverage proudly features the largest selection of Greek wines in North Carolina. Founder and president, Tim Booras, is a third generation Greek American. Our family is pleased to celebrate the foods, language, and culture of this foundational country.
Greece is one of the oldest winemaking regions in the world, and yet Greek wines remain a mystery to much of the United States. This is due in part to the difficult nature of the language and the names of the grapes, but also because the country has only in the past several decades invested in modern winemaking education and techniques.
Now, some of the finest Greek winemakers are studying in France and at UC Davis, and the resulting wines are high quality and absolutely stunning in character. As Greek wines continue to gain notoriety, we are pleased to share some of the best representations of the country’s products through Athenée Importers.
Oenops Wines
Oenops Wines was founded in 2015 by famed winemaker Nikos Karatzas. The grapes are carefully chosen from select vineyards throughout Drama and Macedonia, and are used to produce high quality wines in limited quantities.
Oenops Apla White
This impressively dry white wine is made of the grapes Malagousia, Assyrtiko, and Roditis, all of which unite to bring forth flavors of bright citrus and apple. Fermentation in inox tanks and concrete amphoras ensure that the unadulterated fruit shines through.
Oenops Apla Red
Serve this wine lightly chilled and you’ll have a perfect pairing for anything off of the grill. A blend of Xinomavro, Limniona, and Mavroudi, it’s as unique as it is enjoyable.
Oenops Xinomavraw
Select berries go into concrete amphoras for fermentation with native yeasts for this fruit forward lighter red wine. The palate absolutely oozes with raspberry flavor, making for a dream pairing with duck and game dishes.
Semeli Estate Winery
Semeli is a winery that focuses on both traditional winemaking and innovation, combining both to produce wines of integrity and value. Extraordinary terroir and a blending technique that involves the combination of both indigenous and international grape varieties leads to unique character driven wines.
Semeli Mountain Sun Rosé
This is, with certainty, a red wine drinker’s rosé. While still fruit forward and refreshing, it’s got more depth to it than most pink wines, and the darker color implies more body and character.
Semeli Mountain Sun White
A blend of Moschofilero and Sauvignon Blanc, this is the perfect wine for the beach or poolside. It’s mouthwatering, with lively acidity and citrus flavors, combined with a mineral note that jumps from the glass.
Semeli Mountain Sun Red
As the name implies, the vineyards growing grapes for this red blend are quite highly elevated, meaning the fruit lends itself to lean, lighter bodied reds. The wine is mostly Agiorgitiko with a touch of Syrah for an earthy note. This pairs beautifully with red meat or lemon chicken.
Semeli Nemea Reserve
These sustainably grown vines struggle on a steep slope in Nemea, a region famous for its quality Agiogortiko. This is the wine that would pair exceptionally well with a grilled steak, rich tomato based sauces, and winter comfort food. The assertive tannins on the finish elevate it to an age worthy level.
Thymiopoulos Wines
Mountain shadows allow for this climate to have cooler summers than many parts of Greece, resulting in wines with finesse and elegance. The certified organic and biodynamically cultivated vines are 37 to 42 years old.
Thymiopoulos “Young Vines”
The Xinomavro grown for this wine is organically and biodynamically farmed, lending it a quality not seen often in Greece. The deep, rich red color coats the glass, and flavors of dark fruit astound the palate. Wild yeasts ensure that this unfiltered beauty is as terroir driven as Greek wines can possibly get.
Thymiopoulos Naoussa
A barrel aged Xinomavro of this level is something to admire, and this wine will stun any true connoisseur. Lamb is a perfect flavor to complement the complexity exhibited here, but you could also pair grilled steak or sausages, braised chicken, or aged hard cheeses.
Markou Winery
This family owned winery in Attica is run by the fourth generation. The 60+ year old goblet vines are farmed organically with no irrigation, meaning very low yields of high quality grapes.
Markou Emeis Red
This wine is probably one of the most exciting wines we have added to our portfolio this year. It’s juicy and earthy, with flavors of jammy strawberry and red cherry. Carbonic maceration introduces flavors of currants and eucalyptus that complement the fruit so well, resulting in an absolutely delicious little wine. Serve this with a slight chill year round for a pairing that matches literally anything you put alongside it.
Markou Retsina
If you think of deep yellow, off-smelling white wine when you think of retsina, this one will make you think again. Made of a clean and minerally white wine base, the pine resin artfully lifts the palate and aromas and takes them to an ethereal place. Pair this alongside spicy foods, especially Indian fare, for a pairing that will surprise and delight.
Mercouri Winery
This wonderful family estate takes pride in their vines and property, which overlooks the gorgeous blue sea off the western coast of the Peloponnese. Classic winemaking styles result in solidly made wines.
Mercouri Estate Red
This wine is an exciting Greek innovation, because it’s made mostly of Refosco brought over by the Italian family many years ago. Aging in French oak allows subtle tannins to mix and mingle with the deep red fruit flavors, finishing in a well balanced and complex Greek red wine that will elevate any cellar.
Mercouri Foloi
This white wine takes a classic grape called Roditis and combines it with Viognier for a lively, fruity combination that compliments seafood, grilled pork chops, and salty Greek cheeses. It is heartier than many white wines, and can easily be enjoyed alone or with food and friends.
Mercouri Greek Olive Oil
Finally, what goes better with Greek food and wine than a special olive oil? We also sell Mercouri’s organic, cold pressed extra virgin olive oil. Fruity and herby, this oil is perfect for drizzling over salads and cheeses, or enjoying as a dip before dinner.