At the end of November, my phone rings. It’s the Travel.gr team on the other end. They ask if I would like to write an article about the 10 ideal wines for the festive table. I’m excited. First of all, I love this time of year, and secondly, I already had those very wines in mind, with Christmas coming up.
There’s always a “battle” going on at the Greek table, from starters to dessert, so the choice of both food and wine has to be varied to please everyone. So I put my favourite Christmas music on and started looking through my notebooks to find the best selection of wines for rich, indulgent and festive occasions, and came up with the following 10 labels, each presented here with the ideal food pairing.
1. Ktima Kir – Yianni Scaperdas Frères Cuvée Exceptionnelle NV Brut Rosé
When the first guests arrive at your home, you should always welcome them with a big smile and certainly with a lovely sparkling wine like the 100% Xinomavro Rosé, with strong aromas of strawberry, tomato water and floral elements, making it an ideal aperitif.
2. Milia Riza Blanc de Noir Agiorgitiko Extra Brut Traditional Method 2020
A relatively new project, this sparkling wine from Milia Riza is a must. The 100% Agiorgitiko Blanc de Noir is the perfect accompaniment to prosciutto canapés and bruschettas with various cheeses.
3. Heilia Stafylia 2022, Karadimos Winery 100% Xinomavro
A popular rosé with aromas of strawberry, spoon-sweet baby tomato and milk caramel, refreshing acidity and a touch of residual sugar is perfect with a green salad of ripe raw figs, walnuts and goat cheese.
4. Elia Vidiano 2022 Ampelones Karavitakis
A Vidiano that has also been in cask for at least six months is perfect with a heartwarming pumpkin soup. If anyone finds an older vintage, don’t even think about it, just grab a few bottles – trust me, you won’t regret it.
5. Winery Jima Super Girl Day 16 2022 Debina
Aromas of green apple, pear and white-fleshed fruit, combined with high lemony acidity, will go well with a classic batzina from Agrafa with courgettes and local cheese.
6. Oinopoieio Vasaltis Santorini 2022 Assyrtiko
With its lemony character and mineral elements, what could be a better food pairing than a fluffy, cheesy quiche?
7. Ktima Kelesidis-Naoussa Xinomavro 2017
The most barrel-aged Xinomavro, we find aromas of tomato juice, red cherries and wild strawberries. Its pairing? A slow-cooked goat in red sauce.
8. Oinopoieio Ieropoulos Daemon 2016 Agiorgitiko
With aromas of black and red fruits, sweet spices and vanilla from the barrel, this wine pairs excellently with pork with figs and plums or other succulent roasts.
9. Ktima Mega Spileo Erythro 2015 Mavrodaphne-Mavro Kalavritino
Botanical aromas, smoke, earthy elements and mainly black fruits combined with beef stifado with bay leaves and potatoes. We’ve got a winner.
10. Titanas Ktima Skouras 2015 Mavrostyfo (Dessert wine)
The grapes are sun-dried for eight days and then rested in the shade for 38 days. This is followed by ageing in barrels. It has aromas of black chocolate, figs, prunes, nutmeg. Serve with rich, dark chocolate desserts or baklava (hey, it’s Christmas, so why not both?).
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Christos Theodoropoulos is the Sommelier at Herve Restaurant in Athens and a contributor at Travel.gr
