Staff Pick Greek Wines
Rosé, Grenache Rouge, Dourakis – 2023 $19.96
Although I’m a firm believer in drinking rosés all year long, in the sizzling heat of summer there is no question that a cool glass of something pink has an undeniable pull. There is an ease and effortlessness about it that conjures up romantic notions of Mediterranean life. In this case, the setting is Crete where they’ve been making wine since the time of the Minoans (3000 BC), Dourakis winery is in the western part of the island and sits against a backdrop of stunningly beautiful mountains. The family is committed to growing grapes organically and letting the place speak through the grapes. Their rosé is 100% Grenache rouge, which produces a dry, vibrant, salmon-colored wine with gorgeous strawberry and apricot notes. It’s easy to drink on its own, but has enough weight to pair nicely with food like Greek salads or mezze. Yamas! – Amy Miller, Sales Manager
Assyrtiko Wild Ferment, Gaia – 2023 $49.96
This wine really sets the outer boundary for what Assyrtiko is and can be. Fermented with ambient yeasts in a combination of stainless steel, French oak, American oak, and Acacia wood, the wine develops a rich, full-bodied character that, owing to its island terroir, retains the freshness and salinity that makes the varietal great in the first place. An obvious pairing choice for any number of seafood or Greek dishes, it’s got the structure to stand up to even heartier proteins. Don’t let this be your first Assyrtiko; it just might ruin anything else that comes after it. Really, it’s that good. – James Angelos, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
MRS Red, Manousakis – 2022 $29.96
This is a very pleasant wine from the island of Crete in Greece. Delicious with aromas of blackberries and cranberries, smokey flavors and a balanced acidity. Romeiko, an indigenous grape from Crete and the well known Syrah, blend very well together. Both grapes ferment in stainless steel tanks. After that, Romeiko spends some time in barrels while Syrah ages in stainless steel tanks. The influence of oak is noticeable but not overwhelming and, in fact, creates balance and smoothness to the wine, adding at the same time a delicate vanilla finish.. I would pair it with roasted red meats but It would work well with pasta dishes also. – Andrea Fraccari, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Bekari, Dom. Glinavos – 2021 $26.96
Domain Bekari, located in Northwestern Greece, was founded in 1978. The producer, Lefteris, studied and improved his knowledge in Bordeaux. Bekari, the grape used for this delicious wine, is an indigenous grape from Epirus. This part of Greece is very mountainous. Vine growing and wine production is small. The cool climate of this area guarantees freshness and acidity. The vineyards also enjoy the warm winds coming from the Ionian sea: a great environment for viniculture. This wine is light-bodied with aromas of dark berries. On the palate you can enjoy plum flavors and black berries followed by a bright acidity. Full of character and easy to drink at the same time! – Andrea Fraccari, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Assyrtiko Santorini, Santo Wines – 2022 $29.99
Vinified in stainless steel and left for 14 months on its lees, this is a lush Santorini with concentrated aromas of lemon. The flavors are ripe, from pineapple to golden raisin, yet they’re balanced by a strong minerality. It’s a very well-balanced wine that pairs with grilled fish or a fresh Greek salad. Santo is a cooperative based in Santorini, the beautiful Greek island famous for its beaches. They built a state-of-the-art winery and represent all the growers of the island. They are committed to creating high quality wines and respecting the tradition of the island. – Andrea Fraccari, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Malagousia, “Microcosmos”, Dom. Zafeirakis – 2023 $23.96
If you’re into powerfully aromatic whites like Gerwurztraminer, Viognier, and Zibibbo (aka air freshener wines), you should get to know Greece’s Malagousia. It’s hard to fathom that the grape was almost extinct until it was rediscovered in the seventies. Now, thankfully, it’s grown all over Greece. Domaine Zafeirikis has been family owned and operated for 4 generations. The domaine is now run by Christos Zafeirikis who returned to the estate after completing his oenology masters at the University of Turin. He converted to organic farming in 2005. As soon as you pour the Microcosmos Malagousia, you’ll be seduced by the pungent aromas of peaches and roses. The palate is brisk and has good weight. It truly out drinks its modest price point. Ideal with grilled octopus. – Chung Park, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Assyrtiko “Thalassitis” Santorini, Gaia – 2022 $41.99
Gai’a (pronounced Yay-ya) creates some of the most interesting and distinctive Assyrtiko found in Santorini. Assyrtiko is a very unique grape, producing wines that showcase immense minerality with a full body along with gorgeous aromatics. You will encounter citrus and honeysuckle elements in this wine, with a distinctive “earthiness” that is unique to Santorini’s volcanic soils. Due to the nutrient poor volcanic pumice, these own-rooted vines have never been hit with Phylloxera (a plant louse that destroyed many of the world’s vineyards). The vines used in this bottling also come from 70-80-year-old vines, which only adds to the depth of flavor. The intensity of this Assyrtiko makes it an ideal pairing with oily fish. Delicious! – Alex Malecki, Sales Manager