While some wine lovers like to match their bottle with food, others like to match with the season. As we transition into summer, it’s time to seek out some wines to enjoy in the warmer weather. And one way is to turn to regions that are used to basking in the sun.
Greek wines might not be your first choice for a summer tipple, but there is something about the tastes of the Aegean that are ideal for hot weather.
Greek wines for summer
Early spring is when we can see summer just over the hill, and the warmer weather is an ideal match with Greek wines, particularly white. Wines like Avantis Estate White, Evia, Greece 2018, for example, are packed with flavours and hints of summer.
Most Greek whites share the same aromatic breeziness, with hints of thyme, orange blossom, lemon and honeysuckle that will transport you to a Greek taverna in the Mediterranean sunshine, This particular wine does all of this and more, thanks to its blend of Muscat, assyrtiko and viognier grapes from the Greek island of Evia, lending the wine a fragrant, lemony stone-fruit flavour. Serve it with an al fresco dinner of feta, olive and lemony dressed salad and you’ll feel the warmth of the Greek sun, even in England!
International wines using Greek grapes
Assyrtiko is a grape that has become popular with wine makers in other countries too. For example, there is a tensile version of the Greek grape in the Clare Valley in Australia. Back in Greece, Santorini is home to some delicious examples, inlcuding Domaine Sigalas Assyrtiko 2018, Atlantis Santorini 2017 and Gaia Estate Wild Ferment Assyrtiko 2017, which is very like Chablis.
While whites seem perfect for summer, Greek red wines are also worth including on your shopping list. Local Greek grape varieties make standout wines, with xinomavro being used to make Thymiopoulos Jeunes Vignes Xinomavro 2017 in Naoussa. This tastes of a mix of warm herbs and slightly tangy red berries. It calls to mind Languedoc and Burgundy but with its very own Greek feel.
You can also find some lovely wines that use Greek grapes in their mix. For example, Skouras Synoro mixes aghiorghitko, merlot and cabernet franc for a delicate and fine Greek claret. It’s very food friendly, so not only is it a good match for any time of the year, it’s perfect with a rich lamb dish flavoured with rosemary and garlic.
