Greek Wine & Entrée Pairing​

Sip and Savor Like a Greek!

​From its northern regions to its southern islands, Greece has been producing wine for thousands of years, so they know what they're doing. Each wine-producing area throughout the country is diverse when it comes to prime winemaking soil and microclimate. The fresh Aegean breezes, warm sun and rich volcanic soil of Santorini…the mountain-lake terrain of Velvento with its clay sand, argillaceous clay and limestone…Drama’s dry climate and alkaline clay…the low-plain region of Attica with its gentle winds, low humidity, non-existent frosts, and the brightest sunlight in Greece—these are just a few examples of what makes Greece a formidable contender, and winner, of numerous awards and nods in the wine industry today.

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​In our quest to find and recommend a couple of good wines to friends and followers, we discovered a number of amazing Greek wines that pair beautifully with every course. This week we’re presenting entrées, recipe links, and bottles of white and red to complement each.
 
This sampling is sure to arouse your palate and entice you to set sail on your own exploration of what has become the hottest buzz!
 
Each section below starts with a menu (chicken and pork; lamb, beef, and rabbit; vegetarian), followed by a full description of the menu’s perfect wine pairing. These wines are a natural choice with Greek food (but they also play well with other kinds of cuisines)!

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BONUS:
A Greek wine-lovers special offer awaits you at the end of this blog!

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Entrées ~ Perfectly Paired!
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ENTRÉE 1
Chicken & Pork

Kota me Fasolia Freska
chicken and string bean casserole
 
Chicken Souvlaki
shish kabob
 
Psimenes Xirines Brizoles
grilled Greek pork chops

DRY WHITE

Domaine Papagiannakos
​Savatiano (Sabbatiano) (Σαββατιανó)  Old Vines  2021  Attica  $14.99

Gold Medal: Vintage 2019, Sommelier Wine Awards, 2020
 
Bright gold and clear in color, this wine is produced with the Savatiano grape and boasts a rich citrus aroma with flavors of peach, pear and vanilla, with medium acidity and a long zesty, fresh aftertaste. Pairs well with all Mediterranean dishes.

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ENTRÉE 2
Lamb, Beef & Rabbit

Lamb Souvlaki with Tzatziki
shish kabob with yogurt-cucumber sauce
 
Pastitsio
Greek lasagna with béchamel sauce
 
Kouneli Stifado
rabbit stew with pearl onions and red wine

DRY RED

Estate Voyatzi  Xinomavro (Ξινόμαυρο)  2018  Velvento (on the foothills of Pieria Mountains, by Lake Polyfytos)  $24.99

The local Velvento revival of Xinomavro owes its uniqueness to the distinct terrain of limestone soil, the nearby lake, as well as the use of new-, second- and third-use French and American oak barrels. The result is a strong bouquet with body, structure and richness, a very different version compared to Naoussa Xinomavro. With equally strong tannins, but milder acidity and a softer character than that of Naoussa, Voyatzis Xinomavro is a more modern approach to the variety.
 
Ruby red-garnet in color with a distinctive aromatic character of red fruits, mint, licorice, and herbs combines with alternating flavor impressions of plum, blackberry jam, tobacco, oak, and vanilla. Pairs well with meat, mushroom dishes, tomato sauce-based dishes, grilled meats, and cold cuts.

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ENTRÉE 3
Vegetarian

​Kolokithopita
squash pie with phyllo
 
Anginares me Patates
artichokes with potatoes
 
Makarounes
Karpathian homemade pasta with onions and olive oil

WHITE

Domaine Gerovassiliou
Malagousia (Μαλαγουζιά)  2021  Epanomi, Thessaloniki  $25.99 

Gold Medal: Vintage 2018, Decanter World Wine Awards, UK 2019
"Top 100 Wineries of 2018" (2016 Vintage) Wine & Spirits magazine
Both the winery and wine have received countless awards.
 
This wine is entirely produced from the Greek grape variety of Malagousia, saved from extinction due to the efforts of Vangelis Gerovassiliou.
 
Malagousia is partially barrel-fermented and then matured on its lees for a few months, gaining depth in flavor and enhancing floral aromas. Brilliant straw color with greenish shades, and an aroma of matured fruit such as pear, mango, and citrus. Rich flavors of lemon peel enhance the appealing mouth-feel adding a well-balanced finish. Pairs well with Mediterranean dishes, seafood, poultry, light sauced pasta dishes, fresh vegetable dishes, and salads.

I hope you enjoyed our Greek entrée-and-wine pairing. If you have a different food you’d like to get a pairing for, leave us a comment below and we’ll get back to you with a wine match. More Greek food and wine pairings can be found here.

We consulted with experts Irene and Tony Gounaris, owners of Omega Wines & Spirits in Astoria, NY, who helped us pair today’s cutting-edge wines with our entrée options—a challenging task given the countless exceptional Greek wines available.

​SPECIAL OFFER!
Can’t find these wines in your area? No worries! Omega Wines & Spirits will ship within the United States and you can order online or by phone, 718-726-0056. Tell them Kukla’s Kouzina sent you and you’ll get 10 percent off your wine selections. To order online, enter the coupon code KUKLA.

Omega Wines & Spirits is located at 23-18 31st Street in Astoria, NY. Check their website or call for information on in-store special events and wine tastings. Stop by for a visit next time you're in the area and revel in their amazing selections—they'll be happy to recommend a wine for your next occasion!

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​Our glass is lifted to all of you in a traditional Greek toast ~ Stin iyia sou! To your health!
 
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Thanks for following us and we’ll see you next Monday!
 
Until then~
Kali orexi! Good appetite!
 
Kelly

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