Cute and light-coloured or full and deep coloured, rosé wines have, in their own right, won their spot on our summer tables. In fact, in the past twenty years, the consumption of rosé wine has increased dramatically, reaching in total a 20% increase, while their lighter versions, those described with the general term “Provence Rosé” gaining popularity.
Of course, Greece couldn’t be an exception regarding this international trend. In the past decade, plenty of new and, in their majority, well-made, labels have appeared covering the whole colour spectrum, in every possible, probable and improbable, variety combination. It’s not rare for two or more different rosés to be on a winery’s list, so as to cater for all consumers.
It’s not easy to choose ten wines from such a huge range available – just think that there are over 1.500 wineries in Greece, each producing at least one rosé wine. Nevertheless, I’ll dare try, by no means claiming that they are the best, the top, or the most amazing available; but they are the ones I love and am happy to drink.
For relaxed moments, when you’re in the mood for a glass of wine or when your food needs a delicate, light company, I suggest Idylle d’ Achinos, from the La Tour Melas vineyard, in Fthiotida, that’s made from Agiorgitiko.
The Domaine Costa Lazaridi Merlot Rosé from Drama is in the same vein, with an expressive nose and a fine flavour but, unfortunately, it sells out very quickly. Methea Rosé, of the Vriniotis Winery in North Evia, a blend of the local Mavrokountoura variety with the white Monemvasia, apart from having an attractive personality comes at a friendly price. PetiteFleur from the Parparoussi Winery in Patras made from Sideritis grapes, with fruity aromas and discreet presence in the mouth, will also keep you good company.
For spicy ethnic dishes, but also for moments when you’re in a…sweeter mood, I’d go for Lenga Pink of the Avantis Estate in Evia, with the rosey aromas and the hint of sweetness that combines Gewurztraminer with Mavrokountoura. Or the Katogi Averoff Rosé, a demi-sec rosé from Xinomavro, by the historic winery in Metsovo established by Evangelos Averoff.
Finally, to accompany the traditional full-bodied dishes cooked in olive oil that are synonymous of the Greek summer, as well as the fish cooked in tomato sauce, and even the cured meats or meats grilled on an open fire, I choose the voluptuous Palivos Estate Vissinokipos which mainly consists of Nemea Agiorgitiko, and the Negoska Rosé by the Tatsis brothers, that utilise the gifts of the homonymous variety of Goumenissa. For lighter situations, Grisdenuit of the Ktima Tselepos with the well-known aromatic richness of Moschofilero and the notable structure in the mouth, is an excellent choice, as it the Thema Rosé of the Pavlidis Estate in Drama made from the Spanish variety Tempranillo.
