Greek Wines

In the ancient world, Greece was once one of the foremost producers of wine. However, in contrast to the country’s important wine heritage, modern Greek wines are only recently reaching the rest of the world. These days, Greece offers outstanding wine value and new varieties to expand your palate! And your vocabulary 😆 but don’t worry we’ve provided pronunciation! We’ve included one of our favorite hummus recipes to enjoy with these wines, and if you chose the add on this week make it a picnic and enjoy some Greek goodies!

Assyrtiko ( Ah-sear-tee-koh) from Santorini

Assyrtiko is one of the top wines in Greece, produced all over the country. Assyrtiko’s most impressive region is its place of origin on the island of Santorini. This is a lean white wine with passion fruit, flint, and lemon flavors, subtle bitterness, and saltiness on the finish.

Xinomavro  (keh-see-no-mav-roh) from Naoussa

Xinomavro is being hailed as “The Barolo of Greece,” where it grows in the regions Naoussa and Amyndeo because the wine can taste strikingly similar to  Nebbiolo  with dark cherry fruit, licorice, allspice, and occasionally subtle tomato notes with high-tannin and medium-plus acidity.  This month's pick is a rose version of this grape!

Agiorgitiko   (Ah-your-yeek-tee-ko) from Nemea

Agiorgitiko is a well-known wine from Nemea, a region in Peloponnese which is most famous for this grape. These red wines are  full-bodied  with flavors of sweet raspberry, black currant, plum sauce, and nutmeg with subtle bitter herbs (somewhat like oregano) and smooth  tannins . The wines are generous and fruity, similar in style to  Merlot,  but with slightly more spice.

Wines

Recipe

30th St Market Hummus

• 1 can White beans
• 1 garlic clove (minced)
• 1/4 c tahini
• 1/4 c lemon juice
• 1 tsp coriander
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 T miso paste
• ½ tsp Salt
• 1/4 c olive oil

Instructions:  drain can of beans, In a food processor blend together beans, spices, garlic, tahini, miso, until well incorporated. Then add lemon juice and slowly drizzle in oil until smooth.  Top with toasted sesame seeds, feta, olive oil and fresh herbs of choice.