Greek wines and spirits, overshadowed by the renowned wines of France and the rest of Europe, are just now being discovered and appreciated by connoisseurs - and the rest of us! The land that revered Dionysus and Bacchus as gods of wine is reviving a divine tradition of winemaking and the arts of the distillery. The industry is expanding and Greek wines are winning distinguished awards. While Boutari is the best known producer, dozens of others are producing increasingly fine wines, liqueurs, brandies - and ouzo.
White Wines
Some people are put off white wines in Greece because of an unexpected experience with resiny Retsina, which is a category in itself. Greece produces many fine white wines, with several from the volcanic soils of Santorini particularly well suited to the beginning connoisseur of Greek wines. The Agiorgitiko variety of grape is showing up in the exports and is worth sampling.
• Food and Drink of Greece
Red Wines
Rich, dry, and bold, the red wines of Greece perfectly accompany the many casseroles and northern meat-heavy dishes, but they are also perfect for drinking with a plate of appetizers while watching the sun set over the Aegean sea. Boutari's Grand Reserve red is the most exported wine of Greece, and is a good example of its kind.
• Food and Drink of Greece
Dessert Wines
Greece shines in the production of dessert wines, from my personal favorite, Mavrodaphne, through light and sweet Samos and the rich red Vin Santo, used as a communion wine in Greek churches. Fortified sweet wines such as Commandaria, once a favorite of the Knights Templar posted in Rhodes, are also excellent. So slice off a bit of baklava or some galactobouriko, and raise a glass of any of these.
• Food and Drink of Greece
Retsinas
Usually found as a white wine but occasionally as a rose, the piney tang and aroma of retsina is an acquired taste for many. For the uninitiated, and for wine purists, take that first sip as you would an unusual herbal liqueur. But like ouzo, retsina is an ideal accompaniment for the salty and spicy Greek appetizers called mezes, and it goes well with most Greek dishes.
• Food and Drink of Greece
Learn More About Greek Wines
Find out about the other wines of Greece and the culinary masterpieces which best set them off in George Moudiotis' Traditional Greek Cooking: The Foods and Wines of Greece, a rich compendium of recipes drawn from all over Greece.
• Traditional Greek Cooking: The Foods and Wines of Greece
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