Not many drinkers feel comfortable bringing a Greek wine to a dinner party, and that’s a shame because the more you know about Greek wine, the more you’ll want to drink it! In a country it’s common to find tables spread with wildly different-tasting mezes, it should be no surprise that Greek wines are diverse and food-friendly.
Admittedly, Greek wine can be hard to track down in the LCBO, however, the Boutari Moschofilero White, $15.95, won’t require much sleuthing. This bottle from Boutari, the largest wine operation in Greece, is an affordable gem. Moschofilero is one of the most planted white wine grapes in Greece, and for good reason – with crisp acidity and perfumed elegance, this wine drinks like a dry and easy-sipping Alsatian. In the glass, the wine is delicate and floral with fresh tones of creamy lemon and orchard fruit.
The Drama region in Greece is gaining notoriety for crushable reds, and the Costa Lazaridi Amethystos Red 2018, $26.95, a crowd-pleasing mix of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 10% Agiorgitiko backs up all that clout. This Bordeaux-style wine has a kick thanks to the Drama wine region’s terroir and the touch of Agiorgitiko, a grape that sips like a spicy New World Merlot. Sip this herbaceous and jammy blend anytime with Greek lamb.
But when it comes to Greek wine, the real star of the show is Assytiko. Hard to pronounce but easy to love, Assrytiko shows off in the glass with citrus intensity and bracing mineral notes, thanks to the Amyndeon region’s sandy soils, cool nights, and high-altitude vineyards. Next time grilled octopus is on the menu, uncork Kir Yanni Assyrtiko, $19.95 and pour everyone a big fat glass.
