Wine With Wanda

Greek & Gorgeous: The Elegant Wines of Boutari

Down-to-earth and dedicated, Christina Boutari is the ideal brand ambassador for her family's iconic winery in Greece.

Christina Boutari takes her mission as brand ambassador very seriously. Uprooting her life in Greece, she recently moved to New York City to spread the word across the United States about her family's acclaimed wines. With her charm and expertise, I predict that we'll all be sipping Assyrtiko, Moschofilero, and Xinomavro even as we struggle a bit to pronounce them! For those of us that don't speak Greek, the names of their indigenous grapes can be tongue-twisters, but I assure you that the linguistic acrobatics are worth it for Boutari's delicious wines. 


image courtesy of Boutari 

Christina represents the 5th generation of the Boutari family and wine has always been a part of her life. Founded in 1879 by her great-grandfather Yiannis Boutari, Boutari is one of Greece's oldest wineries and they have vineyards throughout the country. In Greece, Boutari is synonymous with authenticity and quality and they are the world's number-one selling Greek wine. Over a beautiful seafood dinner at Molyvos restaurant in NYC, Christina took me on a delicious Greek journey with her family's superb wines. Take your palate on a Greek adventure with these four delicious Boutari wines. 


Boutari Moschofilero 2016 ($16.99)

A perfect introduction to Greek wines and the Boutari style, this tasty sip is made from 100% Moschofilero (mo-sko-FEEL-er-o) grapes. A charming and refreshing white wine with crisp minerality and vivacious flavors of grapefruit and orange blossom, it is a perfect apéritif and a delicious match with fresh fish, salads, and sushi. 


Boutari Oropedio 2016 ($21.99)

This nuanced wine is a more complex expression of Moschofilero. Oropedio means high plateau in Greek and the grapes for this wine come from high altitude vineyards in southern Greece. A short time in oak barrels enhances and rounds out its citrus and orange flavors. Opulent but still lively and crisp, this is a winning match with seafood. Pair it with grilled octopus, you won't be disappointed. 


Boutari Santorini 2016 ($34.99)

Assyrtiko (a-SEER-tiko) is another must-know Greek grape and this beauty from Santorini is a superb expression. Nurtured by Santorini's rich volcanic soils, this elegant white wine wows with outstanding minerality, zesty citrus flavors, and a seductive lingering finish. 


Boutari Naoussa 2012 ($22.99)

Produced from the Xinomavro (ksee-NO-mavro) grape, Boutari Naoussa is one of Greece's landmark wines. Earthy and elegant with vibrant acidity and well-integrated tannins, this nuanced and sophisticated wine is reminiscent of Barolo. A great match with lamb. 

Are you ready to give Boutari a swirl? Elegant, well-made, and expressive; these gorgeous Greek wines are worth seeking out. For more information, visit the Boutari website. 

 

Greek Chic: The Wines of Domaine Katsaros

  image courtesy of Cava Spiliadis

One of wine's most ethereal qualities is its ability to transport us to new places through our sense of taste. Greece remains on my travel wish list but I've been quite intrigued by the quality of Greek wines that are increasingly available in the United States. Sipping wine in New York City with second-generation winemaker Evripidis Katsaros of Domaine Katsaros, I was transported to Greece for a few hours. It also became abundantly clear that Greek winemakers have the talent and drive to shatter any preconceived notions that consumers may have about their wines.


Two generations of winemakers: Dr. Dimitrios Katsaros, founder of Domaine Katsaros and his son Evripidis.
image courtesy of Cava Spiliadis

Nestled in the foothills of Mount Olympus, Domaine Katsaros was officially founded in 1985 by Evripidis' father; Dr. Dimitrios Katsaros. However, the winery's roots can be traced back to 1979 when Dr. Katsaros planted a small patch of vines, near the house that he had built in Krania, to make wine for his family and friends. Evripidis inherited his father's passion for winemaking and supplemented his experience by venturing abroad to France - he studied Biology at Bordeaux University and earned viticultural and oenology degrees from Burgundy University in Dijon. Evripidis took over viticulture and production at Domaine Katsaros in 2012 and the winery adheres strictly to organic principles and has been certified organic in Greece (D.I.O) since 1998.


If you want to perk up your palate with a new grape varietal, sip a glass of Xinomavro (ksee-NOH-mah-vroh) - the signature red grape of northern Greece. The name means "acid black" and the grape's high acidity and rich tannins inspire many to describe Xinomavro as having a flavor profile similar to Barolo. Domaine Katsaros Valos 2014 PGI Krania ($25) is 100% Xinomavro and a lovely expression of the varietal. With lovely aromas of rose petals and red berries, Valos certainly does not smell like Barolo but the flavors of dried red fruit and a dash of herbaceousness show similar complexity. Very food-friendly, Valos is a great match with roasted meats, mushrooms, and aged cheeses. It even works well with brick-oven pizza laden with meat and mushrooms like the one we shared at Marta in NYC.



Proving that international varietals can also thrive in Greece, Domaine Katsaros Chardonnay 2013 PGI Krania ($34) also shows that Chardonnay does not have to be boring. Lively with tantalizing tropical flavors, a touch of cream and vanilla, and great minerality; this is a really delicious and sophisticated wine. Refreshing enough to sip as an apéritif but substantial enough to serve with grilled seafood and lobster. In addition to Chardonnay and Xinomavro, the Domaine Katsaros portfolio includes Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.  Are you ready to sip something new? Give Greece a chance with the wines of Domaine Katsaros!