Kidonitsa

Kidonitsa is a rare and ancient Greek grape that was once nearly extinct. It was saved by several producers from the Peloponnese region who realized that the grape has an excellent potential to produce aromatic white wines with a unique character.

The wines are still rare, and most of them come from Laconia. Dry white wines made from Kidonitsa usually have an approachable character. They are bright yellow and aromatic with crisp acidity and a round, medium body. Most examples have a quince-like note—unsurprisingly, the name of the grape derives from the Greek name for quince (kydoni)—along with some floral and citrus notes.

These wines would pair well with seafood, salads, pasta, and light poultry dishes. They can also be a good match with cheese. Apart from dry wines, the grape is used in the production of the historically significant dessert style that is now included in the official appellation PDO Monemvassia-Malvasia.