Greek Wine & Seafood Pairing​

From Grape to Glass

​From its northern regions to its southern islands, Greece has been producing wine for thousands of years, and the result is literally the delicious fruits of their labor. 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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xinomavro grape variety

savatiano grape variety

moscofilero grape variety

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 seaside with 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!

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​Picture yourself sipping wine on a mountaintop in Olympus or at a seaside tavern overlooking the Aegean in Santorini—the ageri (breeze) caresses your face, the warm sun kisses your shoulders, you hear the crunch of the dry soil beneath your sandals, and as you look up you sense the majesty of the water surrounding you and you know that you are blessed. You muse that this must be how the ripening grapes in their vineyards must feel too! As you allow yourself to be swept away in this Hellenic utopia, let the following seafood entrées paired with the perfect glass (or bottle) of Greek wine take you even further in your quest for paradise. 
 
Below is a list of entrées, each followed by a full description their perfect pair. 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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Greek Seafood Favs & Perfect Sips

steamed crabs with mustard

SIMPLE CLASSICS

​​Kavouria me Moustarda
steamed crabs with mustard
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  Tsipoures me Ladolemono
broiled or grilled porgy or sea-beam fish with olive oil-lemon sauce

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DRY WHITE

Domaine Skouras  Skouras Moscofilero (Μοσχοφίλερο)  2022  Peloponnese  $16.99
Gold Medals: Vintage 2020, Thessaloniki International Wine Competition 2021; ​Vintage 2017, Thessaloniki International Wine Competition 2018; Vintage 2015, AWC Vienna International Wine Challenge, 2016
 
Fermented in stainless steel vats. Skin contact for just 4 hours, no malolactic fermentation, and short aging over fine lees. Light white-yellow color. Intense aromas and flavors of white flowers and honeysuckle, rounded out with notes of rose petal and passion fruit. Its refreshing acidity leads to a long finish of orange rind with a hint of white pepper. Pairs well with all seafood, salads, and white meats.

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Domaine Sigalas  Assyrtiko Monemvasia (Ασύρτικο-Μονεμβασιά)  2021  Santorini  $27.95
 
Organic. Fermented in stainless steel vats. Light lemon color, this Assyrtiko (50%) and Monemvasia (50%) blend is refreshingly bright with a nose of citrus and tropical fruit with metallic notes. Mouth aromas of white peach, mango and notes of white flowers. Pairs well with all seafood and classic Greek recipes.

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fried smelts

GRILLED / FRIED

​Kalamaria Gemista sta Karvouna
grilled stuffed calamari
 
Marides Tiganites
fried smelts

DRY WHITE
​(great with grilled or fried seafood)

​Domaine Papagiannakos  Savatiano (Sabbatiano) (Σαββα-τιανó) Old Vines  2022  Attica  $16.79
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, especially seafood.

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stuffed mussels

STUFFED / HEARTY TOMATO

Mydia Gemista
stuffed mussels
 
Bakaliaro Plaki
salted cod with tomatoes and onions

DRY RED
​(great with stuffed seafood or seafood in a tomato-based sauce)

Estate Voyatzi  Xinomavro (Ξινόμαυρο)  2019  Velvento (on the foothills of Pieria Mountains, by Lake Polyfytos)  $26.00
 
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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​I hope you enjoyed our Greek seafood-and-wine pairing. Join us next Monday for another food-and-wine segment.
 
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.
 
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 seafood 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 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. 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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