Boutari Moschofilero 2007

This wine exemplifies a lot of the good things happening to Greek wines available in the US...

I first discovered this wine about 4 years ago. It was on sale for probably under $10 at my neighborhood liquor store in Denver so I thought I'd give it try. I liked it so much I went back and bought 4 more bottles. That was probably the 2004 vintage. More recently, I had a bottle of the 2007 while eating at Cava Mezze (worth mentioning simply for the fact it's probably the best Greek place in the DC area). Again, it was fantastic.

A 100% Moschofilero, which is a varietal from the Peloponnesian AOC region of Mantiniam, it's grown in the higher-elevation Boutari vineyards. It's nearly clear in color, and very well-balanced and refreshing in taste. While it can be enjoyed on its own, it's aromatic enough to pair with lighter foods. It held its own quit capably with the grilled octopus, taramosalata, spanakopites we had at Cava. The wine exhibits a nice citrus & melon touch and a very smooth and relaxing aftertaste.

Remember when I said I first bought it for under $10? Well, success has its price since it now sells for closer to $17. I would definitely say it's worth every penny, but if your budget is similar to mine, this wine has gone from an extraordinary everyday value to a treat to save for a special occasion. It definitely shows that Greece is capable of making world-class wines (from indigenous varietals that you won't taste from anywhere else no less) and exporting them around the world.

Achaia Clauss Demestica Red NV

To start off the blog, what better wine to check out, than the classic Greek red import, Demestica. From the historic, large winery, this is not a great wine, especially since the quality (and quantity) of Greek wines available in the US is steadily increasing. But, if you're the type of person that can't enjoy this wine on certain occasions, then this really isn't the blog you should be reading.

A very agreeable, soft, lightly fruity red wine...it has some versatility with a good range of Greek foods. Made from 100% Agiorgitiko (currently my favorite Greek varietal on the red side), you can serve it slightly chilled with a generous serving of gigantes (giant white beans in tomato sauce..see example recipe) and some feta and olives.

So, this wine, supposedly the "most popular Greek wine available", according to Stellar Imports, the importer, is a decent, not too hard to find, table quality Agiorgitiko for those of us who eat Greek style at home. The best part: its price..I get it for about $8 for 750 ml bottle....Although, I notice that they sell it with a screwtop and in the 1.5 L size in Greece (and perhaps elsewhere in Europe...)