Pair Up with La Sommelierre - May 2011
Greek Isles
Greece is one of the most beautiful places in the world. The sea is bright blue and the buildings are sparkling white. The wines are some of my favorites and the cuisine of the area is fresh and perfect for a spring meal.
Santorini is an island that was created about 3600 years ago by a volcanic eruption. The best Santorini white wine is made from the assyrtiko grape. The wine has intense citrus flavors similar to sauvignon blanc but has a wonderful smoky, mineral quality that is likely influenced by the volcanic ash soil. Greek wines, like Italian wines, are truly made to go with regional cuisine. Choose a veggie plate filled with dolmas, tabouli and falafel with a drizzle of tahini sauce to start. The fresh lemon and mint in the food is matched beautifully by the medium-high acid in the wine. The nutty sesame in the tahini will pick-up the smoky notes.
Xinomavro is one of my favorite Greek reds. Deep red flavors of pomegranate are accented by floral violets and a hint of smoky tar. It is similar to the elusive Italian Barolo but comes at a fraction of the cost. Grab a Greek gyro (pronounced “year-oh”) to eat with this earthy wine and you’ll see how well it harmonizes with the roasted lamb, while the Greek yogurt, that gives the sandwich a refreshing bite, balances the medium-high acid found in all Greek wines. If you can’t find a xinomavro and can’t afford a Barolo, pick up a pinot noir as a readily available substitute.
Tonight is a good night to splurge on dessert wine. Vin Santo is classically made in Italy, but Greece has a version made from sun-dried assyrtiko grapes. The grapes are dried for 8-10 days and then the wine is aged for about two years in oak. It has a rich amber color and enticing caramel and nut aromas. On the palate, it is sweet with flavors of vanilla, caramel and spice. The Feta Cheesecake listed below will be less sweet than the wine (always what you look for when pairing for dessert) and the caramelized pine nuts will offer a nuttiness that will complement the wine nicely.
So, go on. Pair Up!
Find recipes online at www.lasommelierre.com
