I recently made a return visit to Gamay, an exceptional wine bar nestled in Athens. Owner Yiannis Pappis, who previously worked at the renowned Mr Vertigo wine shop and import agency, has curated an impressive selection of both Greek and international wines, focusing on low intervention practices. You can find a range of delightful wines here, all priced under €50. During my visits, I concentrated on Greek offerings but couldn’t resist trying an intriguing Aligoté, which is one of my personal favorites.
Gamay also serves excellent food and operates every evening until 1 AM, welcoming guests without reservations. The outdoor seating area is always bustling, while the indoor space tends to be quieter, as many Greeks prefer to smoke outside. The bar is conveniently located within walking distance of Pharaoh, another fantastic eatery I dined at last week.
Here are some standout wines I sampled:
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Hartman Molavi Extra Brut 2018 – Crete, Greece
- Alcohol: 11.5%
- A traditional method sparkling wine made from a blend of Xinomavro and Romeiko. This wine impresses with its minerality, juiciness, and precise lemony acidity. Its fine structure and subtle smoky notes earned it a rating of 93/100.
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Aparchi Leneta Assyrtiko 2022 – Santorini, Greece
- Alcohol: 14%
- From the Leneta vineyard owned by the Holy Monastery of Prophet Elias Thira, this Santorini white offers bold, rich flavors with a salty finish. It combines concentration with stylistic elegance, rated at 93/100.
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Jérôme Galeyrand Aligoté 2022 – Bourgogne, France
- A gem on the French list, showcasing rich aromas of melon and pear. The vibrant stoniness and bright palate garnered a score of 94/100.
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Pithari Fokania 2022 – Ikaria, Greece
- Alcohol: 11.5%
- Crafted from Fokiano grapes, this red delivers spicy, smoky notes paired with floral cherries. Its thrilling energy and acidity resulted in a rating of 95/100.
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Mercati Paolo 2019 – Zakynthos, Greece
- This unique wine exhibits oxidative characteristics with flavors reminiscent of flor, raisins, and cedar spice. It achieves a lovely harmony and complexity, rated 95/100.
For anyone in Athens looking for an excellent wine experience, Gamay is definitely worth a visit.
For more information, check out their Instagram and the wine list at Mr Vertigo.