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Greek Wines: Drinking History with Elegance

Greek Wines: Drinking History with Elegance

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I’ve always been a fan of Greek wines. They’re lean, racy, elegant and complex, all at the same time. Greeks still possess a vigorously old-world wine-making mindset and I, for one, am thankful. You won’t find any fruit bombs here, but you’ll find wines that can compete with Bordeaux’s best blends or nuanced whites from Sancerre, France.

Here are a few highlights from Domaine Porto Carras, showcasing Greece’s largest vineyards with Greece’s most gorgeous view (imported by Old World Vines).

2013 Malagouzia (indigenous Greek varietal)

This Greek grape was almost extinct until the late 1960’s saw its return in Domain Carras. Malagouzia is highly aromatic and creates a soft, elegant wine. It reminds me of the perfumed nose of Italy’s Malvasia Bianca with the body of a full, rounded Chardonnay or Viognier. Refreshing and flavorful with hints of flower blossoms, mint and peach.

Domaine Porto Carras Limnio Greek Wine

2011 Limnio (indigenous Greek varietal)

Limnio is an ancient varietal from the island of Lemnos that has been mentioned in the works of Aristotle. It’s also been said to be referenced in the works of Homer and Plato. This would make it the oldest recorded varietal; drinking Limnio is drinking history! Limnio, being an elegant medium-bodied red wine with notes of blackberry and pepper with delicate tannins, goes well with a wide range of red meats, rich sauces and grilled foods.

Domaine Porto Carras Chateau Porto Carras Greek Wine

2005 Chateau Porto Carras

This classic-style Bordeaux blend adds Limnio to Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot for a stellar effect. Deep color, complex aromas of dark fruits, vanilla and tobacco gives way to a lean mouthfeel and integrated tannins and leaves you with a long, rich finish. An excellent wine for any Bordeaux or Cabernet Sauvignon lover!

If you’re on California’s central coast, try the Greek country board at Meze Wine Bar & Bistro in San Luis Obispo along with one of their Greek wines.

Domaine Porto Carras Greek Wine

Greek Wine Goes Best, Even in Wine Country

Greek Wine Goes Best, Even in Wine Country

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They say local wines, and cocktails, go best with the local food. So what to do when dining at an authentic Greek restaurant in the middle of Santa Barbara county wine country? Go Greek.

Greek wine at Petros Greek Restaurant Los Olivos

Petros in Los Olivos is the third of Petros Benekos’ restaurants in southern California, where he serves up high-quality, delicious and authentic Greek dishes in beautiful spaces. But one of the most beautiful things in this space is the Greek wine list.

Greek White Wines

The Greek whites are my favorite, with two outstanding choices:

1) Moschofilero Grape, from Monemvasia or Boutari Wineries – this wine can be compared to a Viognier with its apricot, melon and floral notes. My white-Rhone-loving friend can attest to this. This wine is lovely with so many Greek dishes, as the wine’s floral notes and food’s Mediterranean character take you to blue summer seas.

2) Sigalas, Assyrtiko, from Santorini – with its dry, crisp, volcanic taste, this wine is more of along the lines of a Sauvignon Blanc or Chablis. I love mineral notes, acid and freshness in white wines, so this one is a perfect palate cleanser for everything you order.

Greek wine at Petros Greek Restaurant Los Olivos

The red Greek wine list is much longer than the white, and the 2 reds available by the glass are good choices, especially for the lamb dishes. But if you really want to be authentic, try the Boutari Grand Reserve, Xinomavro from Naoussa 46, a Greek varietal, or Tsantalis, Metoxi, Cabernet-Limnio from Mt. Athos, a Cabernet Sauvignon variety.

And did I mention the Kourtakis, Retsina from Attiki? Named for the taste of pine resin, this is very typical wine of regions throughout the country, just a little bizarre and a must-try. Right before you finish with a Classic Ouzo. Opa!