A Greek wine ranked No. 2 worldwide, surpassing Riesling and Barolo

Taste Atlas compiled the list of 100 drinks and beverages from around the world.Indeed, in addition to Greek wines, Taste Atlas also included Greek coffees, as well as ouzo and tsikoudia, among the 100 best drinks in the world.

The Vinsanto of Santorini

Taste Atlas places Vinsanto in the 2nd position of its list. As it states, it is a dessert wine from Santorini. It is made with dried Assyrtiko and Aidani grapes. Despite the surprisingly similar name, this Greek wine has little in common with the more famous Vin Santo from Tuscany. The grapes are dried for about 14 days and then fermented and ripened.This wine must be aged in oak barrels for at least two years, but most producers opt for longer aging. The result is a sweet and dense wine, full of flavor and rich in aromas.

Although both grape varieties are white-skinned, the Vinsanto will take on a luscious golden color, which tends to turn to darker amber hues as the wine ages.In the palate, the wine is honeyed, sweet and full-bodied, and the aromas are reminiscent of figs, raisins, apricots, caramel, nuts and sweet spices.Despite the concentrated flavors and dense texture, Vinsanto manages to remain balanced, maintaining acidity and freshness, reports Taste Atlas.These wines should always be served chilled. They can be drunk on their own, but also pair well with desserts and cheese. Younger and lighter styles pair beautifully with sweet, caramel desserts, while older varieties pair well with dark chocolate and nuts.

The sour black wines of Naoussa

In position No. 63 are the wines of Naoussa. This is the Xinomavro variety, a native Greek wine that is often compared to Pinot Noir and Nebbiolo.Naoussa wines display the perfect balance of tannins, sugars and acidity, while typical aromas and flavors include a complex combination of savory notes often reminiscent of dark and red fruits, tomatoes, plums, earth, smoke, herbs and spices.Naoussa is aging exceptionally well. Due to its complexity and finesse, Xinomavro is often cited as one of the best Greek wines. An ideal pairing for this tannic wine is game, lamb, tomato-based sauces, hearty stews, sausages, mushrooms and aged cheese, says Taste Atlas.

No. 1 on the list

For the record, No. 1 on the drinks list is Aguas Frescas from Mexico, light non-alcoholic drinks made with a combination of fruits, cucumbers, flowers, seeds and grains, mixed with sugar and water.