When I was invited to a Greek wine tasting recently, I got excited for two reasons: I love wine, and I love all things Greek. Maybe it’s because my dad’s family actually hails from the modern day city of Thessaloniki, or because feta cheese and greek yogurt make every meal better, but I just love everything from that colorful nation.

I got to sample oodles of wines from Tsantali Wines– a third generation vine-loving family that knows how to hit all the right places on your palate and not hit your wallet too hard. Most of the wines they import are under $20 a bottle, which means they’re super accessible even though they may seem exotic (and they are). The full line up includes wines from several regions of Greece, ranging from the mountainous Balkans to the saltier, coastal areas. They offer a full range of tongue-tantalizers, but a few were particular favorites of mine that are definitely worth checking out whether you’re a wino or just want a cheap, mental vacation to Greece.

For the rose lover:

Location: The hilly countryside in central Makedonia.

Soil: This wine is made from a combination of vineyards throughout the Makedonia regions. The diversity of soil structures and unique micro-climate of each site provides different and complementary flavour characteristics to the final blend.

Climate: Continental, with sufficient humidity.

Varietal composition: The noble Greek indigenous grape variety Limnio.

Viticultural techniques: An integrated farming system is applied.

Harvest: From middle to end of September.

Classification: Protected Geographical Indication Makedonikos

Vinification techniques: This ros̩ is made from two different portions of Limnio grapes grown in the Makedonia vineyards Рan earlier picking (lower sugar, more fragrant) with 18 hours skin contact before pressing, and the juice runoff (Saign̩e) of grapes picked later in the season. The fermentation is kept cool in stainless steel tanks to preserve freshness and aromas. The wine is lightly fined and filtered before bottling.

Character: Tsantali Limnio Ros̩ offers all the flavour of the Limnio grape Рripe plum, blueberry, and hints of cranberry Рin a lighter, brighter, cleaner style. This unique wine is light-bodied, refreshing and balanced. With its light floral notes and fresh fruit flavours, it is the perfect wine to temper salami & cold cuts, grilled red mullet and fried prawns. Serve chilled.

For the red lover:

Location: The appellation area of Naousa is the most famous red wine region of Makedonia and one of the most beautiful Greek vineyards.

Soil: Deep sandy-clay with average water permeability, rich in magnesium.

Sub-soil: Calcareous

Climate: Excellent for viticulture, with many hours of sunlight and abundant rainfall.

Varietal composition: Xinomavro

Harvest: End of September until beginning of October.

Classification: Naousa Protected Designation of Origin

Vinification techniques: The vinification takes place at the Tsantali winery near the village of Stranza in the Naousa region. It is the classical red method and the maceration lasts for an average of 6 days. The temperature is controlled between 26-30 oC.

Ageing: In small oak French casks for 12 months and then in leaning bottles. A wine suitable for long term ageing.

Character: A full-bodied wine, ruby-red in appearance, with aromas of ripe berries accented by new oak, well balanced with an elegant long finish.

Serving suggestions: A wine recommended with most traditional Greek meat dishes like “Yiouvetsi” (Oven-baked lamb or beef with macaroni in tomato sauce), barbecued meats in spicy sauces and Feta cheese.

Serving temperature: Best served at 19 oC.