Drama Reloaded

Consumers are aware of Drama located in the eastern part of Macedonia as the land of international varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc that initiated the Greek wine revolution for just few decades ago. Well not anymore as Drama is investing in indigenous varieties as well, redefining its wine personality and offering a more diverse profile that also includes wonderful examples of Assyrtiko, Agiorgitiko and many other autochthonous varieties.

So what are the new exciting things that are happening in the region once considered as the Greek Marlborough (due the success of Sauvignon Blanc) or Greek Bordeaux (due the success of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot)? A recent visit I made just a couple of months ago gave me the impression that producers are at crossroads. ''Drama is not any more what it used to be; indigenous varieties have started gaining ground over the international varietals. If results are as good as we think, there will be a more clear focus on these varieties with a distinct character that expresses the region with a more contemporary and international style I would argue'' says Costa Lazaridis, a pioneer and historic producer who founded Chateau Costa Lazaridi in 1992.