News and Wine Blog
Vino Mas Wine Club for June - wines from Greece
05/31/2023
Wines of Greece provide exciting varietals that most of us have never heard of. There are over 300 indigenous varieties in Greece, with very few of them ever making it out of the country. This month our Wine Club is highlighting the 3 following varieties: Agiorgitiko, Malagousia and Liatiko. Sipping a glass of Greek wine this month will be an exploration for our palate that will take us outside of what we normally drink.
Greek wines are very food friendly and go with a wide variety of different spices and cuisines. This month I paired al three wines with easy appetizers. Many of us tend to have lots of barbeques, get togethers and family gatherings over the summer; all three of these dips would be great to take, they are all fresh tasting and healthy.
I paired the Agiorgitiko with a Sun Dried Tomato, Feta and white bean dip. This dip could be made with black beans or chickpeas and also you can add lots of different spices to taste the way you want it to. I made the recipe as shown but added some other spices to jazz it up. The Agiorgitiko has aromas and flavors of spiced cherries, which would make this wine a prefect pairing with any dish that has Moroccan or African spices in it. Think Za'atar, sweet or smoked paprika, cumin, pepper, turmeric, etc.....
The Malagousia has notes of fresh topical fruits and citrus with some herbal undertones. I have never made a homemade Hummus before, it was so easy and so much fresher tasting that the store bought varieties. I made a lemon and baby artichoke hummus with fresh veggies for dipping. Paired with the Malagousia, it was a match made in heaven. The citrus and herbal notes complemented and the hummus and veggie flavors, plus the dish was super healthy...bonus!
The Liatiko variety is delicate and is very similar to a Nebbiolo. I highly suggest you try it in a burgundy shape glass so that it will unfold its aromas and flavors. Several of us compared the wine in the old world Burgundy glass and a regular glass, there was a huge difference in how the wine smells and tastes. I paired this wine with a delicious black and kalamata olive bruschetta. This appetizer with the olives, ricotta and lots of fresh basil, was light and makes a great starter for any summer meal.
Greek wines are very food friendly and go with a wide variety of different spices and cuisines. This month I paired al three wines with easy appetizers. Many of us tend to have lots of barbeques, get togethers and family gatherings over the summer; all three of these dips would be great to take, they are all fresh tasting and healthy.
I paired the Agiorgitiko with a Sun Dried Tomato, Feta and white bean dip. This dip could be made with black beans or chickpeas and also you can add lots of different spices to taste the way you want it to. I made the recipe as shown but added some other spices to jazz it up. The Agiorgitiko has aromas and flavors of spiced cherries, which would make this wine a prefect pairing with any dish that has Moroccan or African spices in it. Think Za'atar, sweet or smoked paprika, cumin, pepper, turmeric, etc.....
The Malagousia has notes of fresh topical fruits and citrus with some herbal undertones. I have never made a homemade Hummus before, it was so easy and so much fresher tasting that the store bought varieties. I made a lemon and baby artichoke hummus with fresh veggies for dipping. Paired with the Malagousia, it was a match made in heaven. The citrus and herbal notes complemented and the hummus and veggie flavors, plus the dish was super healthy...bonus!
The Liatiko variety is delicate and is very similar to a Nebbiolo. I highly suggest you try it in a burgundy shape glass so that it will unfold its aromas and flavors. Several of us compared the wine in the old world Burgundy glass and a regular glass, there was a huge difference in how the wine smells and tastes. I paired this wine with a delicious black and kalamata olive bruschetta. This appetizer with the olives, ricotta and lots of fresh basil, was light and makes a great starter for any summer meal.
ENJOY!
Post By:
Deanna Albertson