Choosing the right wine
Choosing the right wine to accompany your meal can enhance your dining experience and create a harmonious pairing of flavors. At Akres, our restaurant in Lindos, Rhodes, we take pride in offering a wide selection of wines to complement our Greek cuisine, which is based on fresh vegetables, earthy flavors, herbs, and sauces. Here are some tips on how to choose the perfect wine for your meal at our restaurant:
Salads are often light and refreshing, with a mix of fresh greens and vegetables. A crisp, acidic white wine such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio can be an excellent choice to complement the freshness of the salad. The acidity of the wine will balance the tartness of the dressing and the sweetness of the vegetables. Additionally, a rosé wine can also be a great choice to accompany a salad, especially if it includes fruits.
Pasta dishes can be quite varied in flavor and style, but they generally contain a good amount of sauce, which can be tomato-based or cream-based. A medium-bodied red wine such as a Chianti or Sangiovese is a classic pairing for tomato-based pasta dishes. The acidity in the wine complements the acidity of the tomato sauce, while the tannins in the wine help cut through the richness of the pasta and cheese. On the other hand, for cream-based pasta dishes, a full-bodied white wine such as Chardonnay or Viognier can be a good match as it complements the creaminess of the sauce.
Fish is often delicate and subtle in flavor, so a light, crisp white wine such as a Pinot Grigio or a Sauvignon Blanc can be an excellent choice. For grilled fish, a slightly more robust white wine such as a Chenin Blanc or a Viognier can be a great choice. If the fish is in a tomato or herb-based sauce, a light to medium-bodied red wine such as a Pinot Noir or a Merlot can also be a good choice.
Red meat dishes can be quite heavy and rich, with bold flavors and hearty sauces. A full-bodied red wine such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Syrah/Shiraz is a classic pairing for red meat dishes. The tannins in the wine complement the richness of the meat and help cut through the fat. A Malbec or a Tempranillo can also be a good choice for red meat dishes, especially if the dish includes herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano.
In general, when it comes to Greek cuisine, many wines are a good match. In Greece, white wines such as Assyrtiko and Moschofilero are popular and pair well with seafood, salads, and light appetizers. On the other hand, Greek red wines such as Xinomavro, Agiorgitiko, and Mavrodaphne are bold and complex and can pair well with red meat dishes or more robust pasta dishes. In addition, Greek rosé wines can be an excellent choice for salads and appetizers, especially those that include feta cheese.
When tasting wine, it is important to use proper wine tasting terminology. Look for terms such as aroma, body, tannins, acidity, and finish. The aroma refers to the wine’s scent, while the body refers to the wine’s weight and mouthfeel. Tannins are compounds found in red wines that give them structure and astringency, while acidity refers to the wine’s tartness. Lastly, the finish is the aftertaste that lingers in the mouth after the wine is swallowed.
In conclusion, at Akres, we believe that choosing the right wine can elevate your dining experience and create a harmonious pairing of flavors. By considering the flavors of the dish and using proper wine tasting terminology, you can make an informed decision when selecting the perfect wine to complement your meal.
At Akres, we have curated our wine list to complement our menu of fresh vegetables, earthy flavors, herbs, and sauces. Our experienced sommelier has carefully selected each wine to provide our guests with the best possible pairing options. Whether you prefer a classic wine to complement your favorite dish or an adventurous selection to expand your palate, we have the perfect wine for you. We take pride in offering an extensive selection of wines from Greece and around the world, ensuring that our guests have a memorable and satisfying dining experience at our restaurant.
