Greece—Out of the Ashes
When we think of Greece, we have visions of breathtaking beaches and landscapes, awe-inspiring ruins, and, of course, food and classic wine! If necessity is the mother of invention, Greece has given birth (once again!) to some of the most innovative and perfected vintages of the country’s cherished wines that are sure to boost the country’s economy while tantalizing your palate! This week it’s all about what’s trending in wine from the homeland.
All of the items listed below are produced in Greece, by Greek people, with Greek culture, using Greek ingredients. It doesn’t get much more Greek, or delicious, than that.
All of the items listed below are produced in Greece, by Greek people, with Greek culture, using Greek ingredients. It doesn’t get much more Greek, or delicious, than that.
Sip & Savor
Wine trending from Patras in the Peloponnese region has stepped into the spotlight this year. Following are my picks that are rooted in history but never archaic.
KARELA MAVRODAPHNE OF PATRAS is an exceptional sweet red Greek wine produced from 100 percent of the Mavrodaphne grape variety, when the legal requirement is just 50 percent. Grown within the specific geographic area of Patras (Patron), the wine falls in the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) category. Aged in oak, this wine is deep purple in color and closely resembles a tawny port with prominent notes of black currants, caramelized fruit, and a lingering honey-syrup finish (15 percent alcohol). mavrodaphne.gr
KARELA MAVRODAPHNE OF PATRAS is an exceptional sweet red Greek wine produced from 100 percent of the Mavrodaphne grape variety, when the legal requirement is just 50 percent. Grown within the specific geographic area of Patras (Patron), the wine falls in the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) category. Aged in oak, this wine is deep purple in color and closely resembles a tawny port with prominent notes of black currants, caramelized fruit, and a lingering honey-syrup finish (15 percent alcohol). mavrodaphne.gr
Taking this wine variety to an impressive level, an elegantly balanced MAVRODAPHNE PATRON RESERVE PARPAROUSSIS 2003 (below, left) is lightly sweet and mellow with depth and spirit due to aging. This rich and complex Mavrodaphne redefines the class of this beloved Greek wine (19 percent alcohol). Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled as an aperitif or dessert wine. parparoussis.com
Mavrodaphne Patron Reserve Parparoussis 2003
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Muscat of Patras, Achaia Clauss Muscat 722
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Loukatos Muscat of Patras
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Muscat of Rio Patras Parparoussis 2006
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Golden aromatic muscat wines are also a flavorful way to go Greek. Try the light and sweet MUSCAT OF PATRAS, ACHAIA CLAUSS MUSCAT 722, with notes of ripe apricots and juicy peach, followed by a citrus finish and a lingering taste of honey (15 percent alcohol). LOUKATOS MUSCAT OF PATRAS is less sweet with a full body and a hint of brandy (15 percent alcohol). MUSCAT OF RIO PATRAS PARPAROUSSIS 2006, the least sweet of this group, is nicely aged and full bodied (12 percent alcohol). parparoussis.com Serve muscats chilled as an aperitif or dessert wine.
OUZON (pronounced OO-zone) soda is an all-natural, non-alcoholic beverage based on the flavor of ouzo, the OPA! liqueur of Greece.
The unique syrup in Ouzon is handcrafted using pure cane sugar and is infused with organic star anise with its subtle notes of licorice, creating a drink that is refreshing, flavorful, and worthy of rubbing elbows with its high-octane cousin. Now kids and non-drinkers alike can enjoy a shot of Greek without feeling left out of the party crowd. opaoriginals.com
For more Greek wines, go to Omega Wines & Spirits.
Many Greek/Mediterranean liquor stores and some markets carry these products. If yours doesn’t, ask them if they can order them for you. Feel free to contact the companies through their websites for shopping info in your area. Some items are available online on Amazon, and titanfoods.net carries Ouzon and ships nationwide (call them if you don’t see what you want on their website). Oh, and Google works too!
I hope you enjoyed this installment of Greece: An Edible Revival. If it’s trending in Greece, we’ll cover it here! If you missed our posts on olives, honey, legumes & rice, and cooking staples, here’s your chance to catch up: Greece: An Edible Revival.
Sign up for our e-newsletter (if you haven’t already) and stay connected on social media for cooking tips and recipes, as well as for all Kukla's Kouzina updates and news.
Thanks for following us and we’ll see you next Monday!
Until then~
Kali orexi! Good appetite!
Kelly
The unique syrup in Ouzon is handcrafted using pure cane sugar and is infused with organic star anise with its subtle notes of licorice, creating a drink that is refreshing, flavorful, and worthy of rubbing elbows with its high-octane cousin. Now kids and non-drinkers alike can enjoy a shot of Greek without feeling left out of the party crowd. opaoriginals.com
For more Greek wines, go to Omega Wines & Spirits.
Many Greek/Mediterranean liquor stores and some markets carry these products. If yours doesn’t, ask them if they can order them for you. Feel free to contact the companies through their websites for shopping info in your area. Some items are available online on Amazon, and titanfoods.net carries Ouzon and ships nationwide (call them if you don’t see what you want on their website). Oh, and Google works too!
I hope you enjoyed this installment of Greece: An Edible Revival. If it’s trending in Greece, we’ll cover it here! If you missed our posts on olives, honey, legumes & rice, and cooking staples, here’s your chance to catch up: Greece: An Edible Revival.
Sign up for our e-newsletter (if you haven’t already) and stay connected on social media for cooking tips and recipes, as well as for all Kukla's Kouzina updates and news.
Thanks for following us and we’ll see you next Monday!
Until then~
Kali orexi! Good appetite!
Kelly
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Web design by Kelly Salonica Staikopoulos
