Greek cuisine is known for its vibrant flavors, fresh ingredients, and diverse dishes. From the flavorful mezze platters to the hearty moussaka, Greek cuisine offers a rich culinary experience. To enhance the enjoyment of these delightful dishes, pairing them with the right wines can elevate the dining experience to a new level. In this article, we will explore some of the best wines that complement Greek cuisine, from appetizers to main courses.
Pairing with Mezze
Mezze is a traditional Greek style of dining where a variety of small dishes are served as appetizers. These dishes often include olives, feta cheese, tzatziki, dolmades, and grilled vegetables. When it comes to pairing wines with mezze, a refreshing white wine is an excellent choice. The crisp acidity and citrus notes of a Greek Assyrtiko wine pair wonderfully with the briny olives and tangy feta cheese. Another great option is a Greek Rosé, which offers a balance of fruitiness and acidity that complements the flavors of the mezze platter.
Related Article: How to Get Wine Glasses Sparkling Clean
If you’re serving mezze at a gathering, it’s important to present the wines in sparkling clean glasses to enhance the tasting experience. Follow these tips to ensure your wine glasses are spotless.
Pairing with Seafood
Greece is surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, making seafood an integral part of Greek cuisine. Whether it’s grilled octopus, fresh fish, or shrimp saganaki, seafood dishes can be beautifully complemented by a range of white wines. A Greek Moschofilero wine, with its aromatic profile of floral and citrus notes, pairs exceptionally well with seafood. The vibrant acidity of this wine cuts through the richness of the seafood, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.
Pairing with Moussaka
Moussaka is a beloved Greek dish made with layers of eggplant, ground meat, and béchamel sauce. This hearty and flavorful dish calls for a medium-bodied red wine that can stand up to its robust flavors. A Greek Xinomavro wine is a fantastic choice. With its firm tannins, dark fruit flavors, and hints of spice, Xinomavro complements the richness of the moussaka and enhances its savory notes.
Pairing with Souvlaki
Souvlaki, a popular Greek street food, consists of grilled skewered meat, typically pork or chicken, served with pita bread and tzatziki sauce. This flavorful and succulent dish pairs wonderfully with a Greek red wine like Agiorgitiko. This medium-bodied red offers a balance of fruitiness and earthiness, with soft tannins that complement the charred flavors of the grilled meat.
Pairing with Baklava
Baklava, a traditional Greek dessert made with layers of phyllo pastry, nuts, and honey syrup, is a sweet indulgence with complex flavors. To complement the sweetness and nuttiness of baklava, a sweet dessert wine such as Greek Mavrodaphne is an excellent choice. This fortified wine has rich, dark fruit flavors with hints of chocolate and caramel, creating a luscious pairing with the dessert.
When it comes to enjoying Greek cuisine, the right wine pairing can enhance the flavors and create a memorable dining experience. Whether you’re savoring mezze, seafood, moussaka, souvlaki, or indulging in a sweet baklava, the diverse range of Greek wines offers something for every palate. Explore these wine and food pairings to elevate your Greek dining experience.
