Welcome back to Drink This with That—featuring what to drink with specific foods and international cuisines. Each month we highlight a particular food or dish with pairing options and a link to the Wine Road searchable database to find the wines we recommend from the tried and true, to selections that add a bit of a twist to the standard pairing.
This month we explore wine pairing options for Greek cuisine. From dishes that are fresh and herbaceous like Greek Salad to rich and savory fare like Moussaka. Greek cuisine is vibrant and exciting and well suited to a variety of wine pairings. Deserts too, like the famed baklava are enhanced and elevated by a great wine pairing.
Search for recommended wines here: www.wineroad.com/wineries.
Greek Dishes & Wine Pairing Recommendations
Greek Salad
I could eat Feta all on its own; but add in tomatoes, kalamata olives, red onions, cucumbers and a sprig of mint, and you have the makings of a classic Greek salad. Dressed with olive oil, lemon and oregano it’s a satisfying and bright dish that can be served alone as the main meal or as a side. Choose wines with crisp acidity to complement the briny and salty notes of the salad.
+ Sauvignon Blanc
+ Rosé
+ Pinot Grigio
+ Assyrtiko * Greek varietal that is a natural pairing.
Moussaka (Eggplant Lasanga)
If you love eggplant as I do you, you need to try Moussaka —the Greek version of Eggplant Lasagna. Some call it white Lasagna for the creamy béchamel sauce poured on top. Hearty and filling, with spices like nutmeg, oregano, thyme and bay leaves; Moussaka is like lasagna on steroids and needs a wine that can support the deep flavors.
+ Syrah
+ Tempranillo
+ Sangiovese
Lamb Souvlaki
Cubes of lamb marinated with garlic, lemon and herbs then grilled on skewers and served with grilled vegetables and creamy and bright tzatziki sauce made from garlic, yogurt, cucumber and dill. May also be served wrapped in pita bread like Gyros, which differs in preparation as it is a lamb (or chicken) sliced or shaved from a rotisserie, not cubed. Either is a delicious way to enjoy lamb.
+ Grenache
+ Pinot Noir
+ Nero d’ Avola
+ Merlot
Spanakopita
Flakey, crisp sheets of phyllo are the hallmark of this creamy Greek pie filled with spinach and feta mixed with eggs, onions, garlic and butter; and seasoned with black pepper and dill. Perfect with full bodied white wines with good acidity to support the rich flavors of the Spanakopita.
+ Chardonnay
+ Fiano
+ Arneis
Baklava
Always save room for Baklava! Nutty and gooey it’s rich and sweet and made from sheets of Phyllo and layered with walnuts, honey syrup, and hint of clove and cinnamon. Sparkling wines or late harvest selections can elevate and match the complex level of sweetness.
+ Sparkling Moscato
+ Late Harvest Arneis
+ Late Harvest Zinfandel
+ Gewürztraminer
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