My first experience with Greek food was in graduate school in Chapel Hill where a now defunct restaurant served spanakopita which I happily paired with Leinenkugels beer (my bow to regional culture – how brilliant!). Once I moved to Chicago, my next foray into wine and food from Greece was with co-workers in Chicago at a neighborhood restaurant in Greek town. Saganaki (flaming cheese/cheese on fire), lemon-rice soup, the sampler plate of dolmades, moussaka, and gyros, baskets of bread, and baklava were accompanied with bottles upon bottles of Roditis. At least I was savvy enough to have wine this time! And I never looked back to those Leines…Roditis was my go-to wine whenever Greek food was involved.
Participants may not have seen sunny skies, turquoise blue seas, whitewashed buildings along the coast, or ancient architecture in the hotel’s reception room, but we could evoke all of those visuals in our minds as we swirled, sipped, and savored the selections from a country which is offering some amazing wines with an amazing breadth and style. Over 200 grape varieties many of which are not grown elsewhere are native to Greece. These varietals are well suited to grow in its hot, arid climate and and have gained or are currently garnering international reputation.
Almost thirty wines were offered for tasting! My favorites?
**2011 Skouras Moschofilero – From the Mantinia area of the Peloponnese, 85% of the wines that carry the OPAP (Appellation of Origin of Superior Quality – loosely translated, I must add) must be Moschofilero. This wine is an aromatic white with roses and peaches on the nose and plenty of citrus can be found on the palate. Muscat like with a purity that reminded me a bit of Chenin Blanc, I would pair this $15.00 wine with light Greek dishes.
**2004 Sigalas Vinsanto – The Vinsanto from Santorini is a blend of 75% Assyrtiko and 25% Aidani grapes – another white wine. This sweet dessert wine with 9% alcohol and unlimited aging potential was a unique surprise! I loved the raisin, spice, lemon, and vanilla aromas and tastes and at the event, I longed for some baklava or chocolate as a pairing! Cost is $35.00
**2011 Oenoforos Asprolithi – Well, I just had to add a Roditis from the Peloponnese, didn’t I? This was delicious with the minerality and citrus that I love so much. Fermented in stainless steel tanks to retain the fruit and freshness, this white wine with its aromatic aftertaste and medium finish could pair with…just about any of your favorite Greek dishes. For about $15.00, you can purchase more than one bottle!
**2011 Alexakis Vidiano – Crete is now on the map for something other than ancient landmarks and a rich history. Its wines are becoming known and this particular white wine from the Vidiano grape was wonderful. The citrus notes including grapefruit on the nose and palate were crisp and snappy and its minerality had me visualizing the enjoyment of a glass at a small taverna overlooking the sea (a pool and handsome men were involved as well, but I digress!). Cost? $15.00. And sorry, I don’t have a picture of this…just think sipping next to the pool, ok??
**2007 Gaia Estate – And you thought I was only loving white wines! This rich red from the Agiorgitiko grape was delicious with its tart cherry, vanilla raspberries, cranberries, and minerality on both nose and palate. Wow! Its well integrated oak flavors added to the balance of this selection and it seemed to have more of an international style. Paired with a spicy red meat from the grill, you’d say Opaa!, too~ The winery if in the region of Nemea which is north of the Peloponnese. Cost is $35.00 and the picture is of the 2008 vintage, but you get the idea!!
**2008 Karydas Naoussa – The Naoussa region in northern Greece produces wines made exclusively from the Xinomavro grape which is often compared to Nebbiolo. This particular red wine was deep ruby in color and presented tastes of dark fruits including plums and prunes (!) with earthy and mineral like characteristics. Well balanced with medium tannins, the wine was rich and complex. This choice would be perfect with saucy Greek dishes made with love by YaYa. Cost is $28.00.
Greek’s economy may be stumbling, but not their wine… Get yourself to those Greeks now!
ΥΓΕΙΑ ~ Cindy
