Galery

2

1

Maria Tzitzi: Greece is known abroad with its sweet wines. For example, Samos wines are known throughout France. Frenchmen are trying to achieve diversity in Muscat tastes since 1950. An interesting fact is also that foreigners like (whether we like it or not) Retsina, while we have already erased this wine from our vocabulary. For better or worse this situation continues to this day. For many years foreigners believed that Greeks are people of Ouzo, Retsina and octopus... Today’s reality is that if we go to a supermarket will not see more than two bottles of Retsina on the shelves. It is becoming increasingly difficult to find that product in restaurants as well. Foreigners, however, continue to connect us with Retsina. A famous wine area for foreigners is Nemea. They are acquainted with the wines from this region, because they can easily pronounce the name. It is not difficult to pronounce the name "Nemea,” while the name "Agiorgitiko" (the Grappe of Nemea) ties their tongues... Though every company decides exactly what kind of wines it will export. In the US I happened to find wines that I cannot find in Greece. There are small wineries that only export wine, respectively, there is no need for that wine to be advertised in Greece, because people will not be able to buy it. We have started exporting, but overall, our exports are not so large. I believe they do not exceed 10%. We are not a country which relies on wine exports. In general, we are self-sufficient—in other words, whatever we produce, we drink it all. However, it is an interesting fact that 25-35% of the wines we present each year at competitions, are rewarded. Now a good and very famous wine came to my mind - Santorini. Foreigners first found out about the island, and then about wine. 

GRREPORTER: This wine certainly does not need advertising. 

Maria Tzitzi: Yes, of course. 

GRREPORTER: Can you tell me a name of a Bulgarian wine that impressed you? 

Maria Tzitzi: I cannot recall a specific name of a Bulgarian wine but I remember some red wines, from the Grappe Cabernet Sauvignon, which were incredible. They had very good and specific taste. Also, I know that some of my customers buy wine barrels from Bulgaria, which give them good results. 

GRREPORTER: What are your plans for the future and what do you wish for?

 
Maria Tzitzi: It may sound a little strange... Except for good health, I wish my books will be successful. .. I have two written, but unreleased books. I like writing. This is something I wanted to do since I was a child. When a person writes, he is alone and is looking for things within his inner world. Many things can be expressed in the best possible way on paper. Then you have a good relationship with yourself. I wish I could do this thing for many years... 

GRREPORTER: We wish it to you with all our hearts! 

Maria Tzitzi: Thank you.