Greek Grapes
Robola
Robola is a native Greek white grape from the Ionian Islands.
About Robola
Robola grows in central Greece and on the Ionian Islands, but is mainly associated with Cephalonia (Kefalonia), the home of the Robola appellation.
Historically, Ribola was thought to be the same the Italian grape Ribolla Gialla.
Today, by DNA profiling, Robola is classified by the Vitis International Variety Catalogue as a separate variety.
Robola wines are usually of excellent quality. The grape produces wines with a bright and refreshing character, good acidity, and medium body. The aromas are reminiscent of citrus fruit, white flowers, and white-fleshed fruit. The best examples, typically coming from higher altitudes, will have a mineral, flinty note.
Robola thrives on poor stony soils. The Italians called the wine Vino di Sasso, meaning "Wine of the stones". On the mountainous slopes of Ainos, one can still find many old bush-vines; an ode to its heritage.
Robola Flavors
Robola wines are moderately aromatic with flavors of lemon, citrus fruit, grapefruit, and fennel.
They can be steely or fruitier (depending on the winemaking), but always with a fresh acidity.
 Lemon |
 Grapefruit |
 Peach |
 Nectarine |
 Flowers |
 Fennel |
 Almonds |
 Minerals |
Robola Profile
Robola is Fruity, Acidic and Floral:
| SUGAR: | Dry (3 g/l) |
| BODY: | Medium |
| FRUIT: | Medium - High |
| ACIDITY: | High |
| ALCOHOL: | 13-14% ABV |
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Serving temperature: 8-10°C (46-50°F) |
Robola Food Pairing
Robola is a great food wine. Acidity and saline bitterness are perfect palate cleansers. It works best with seafood and lemon based white meat.
 Aperitif |
 Salads |
 Vinegar |
 Tapas |
 Oysters |
 Shrimps |
 Seafood |
 Sushi |
 Fish |
 Chips |
 Chicken |
 Ham |
Excellent Pairings
Bright Vinaigrettes.
Green Salads. Olives. Tapas.
Oysters in Garlic (and Lime).
Mussels. Clams (in Chili).
Sushi. Sashimi. Smoked Salmon.
Grilled Seafood. Crab. Lobster.
Fried Fish. Fish and Chips. Fish Tacos.
Lemon Chicken. Lemon Veal.
Goat Cheese. Smoked Cheese.
Greek Specialities
Greek Salad.
Tomato Feta Salad.
Greek Scrambled Eggs.
Kakavia (Greek Fish Soup).
The Ideal Glass for Robola
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The Sauvignon Blanc glass is smaller than a Chardonnay glass. It has a more narrow bowl to concentrate the crisp and citrusy aromas of zesty and fruity white wines. |
Robola Cheese Pairing
Robola is known for its crisp and fruity profile. It pairs well with a variety of cheeses.
Opt for cheeses with moderate saltiness and creaminess to balance the Robola's acidity.
Add fruits (grapes, apples, pears), nuts (almonds, walnuts), or a light drizzle of honey to enhance the pairing.
Fresh and Mild Cheeses
Goat Cheese (Chèvre): The tanginess complements the subtle fruit notes in Robola.
Feta: Its delicate flavor pairs well with the wine's lightness.
Ricotta: Especially good if served with a drizzle of honey or fresh fruits.
Soft Cheeses
Brie: The creamy texture and mild flavor work beautifully with Robola.
Camembert: Similar to Brie but with slightly more earthiness.
Chaource: Soft with a bitter nutshell flavor. A little on the salty side.
Semi-Hard Cheeses
Gruyère: Mildly nutty and sweet, enhancing the wine's subtlety.
Manchego: A classic Spanish pairing, especially younger Manchego, which is less intense.
Asiago: Lightly aged Asiago adds a complementary tang to the cheese.
Blue Cheeses (for contrast)
Robiola has a delicate, tangy flavor that pairs well fresh and light wines with good acidity.
If You Like Robola
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Ionian Islands
SoilWide Variations.Clay. Limestone. Deep Fertile. Poor Hillsides. Altitudes from 0 to 800m. |
ClimateMediterrean.High Rainfall. Humidity Problems. |
Ionian PDO Regions
The Ionian Islands wine region is located in the Ionian Sea along the west coast of Greece.
The seven Ionian Islands lie off the west coast of Greece and include Corfu, Paxos, Lefkada, Kefalonia, Ithaca, Zakynthos and Kythira.
The northernmost island is Corfu and the southernmost island is Zakynthos west of the Peloponnese Peninsula.
The wines from the Ionian Islands are primarily made from native grapes such as Kakotrygis, Vertzami and Robola.
The island Ithaca is famous for being the home of Odysseus, from the Odyssey epic poem of Homer, where he writes about the wines from the islands of Kefalonia and Corfu.
The Odyssey drescibes a viticulture at least 2500 years back in history.
PDO Wines
- PDO Robola of Kefalonia
- PDO Mavrodaphne of Kefalonia
- PDO Muscat of Kefalonia
Black Grapes |
White Grapes |
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