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dimi_pat

Active member
I just tried Greek rosé wine for the first time, and I’m blown away! I had a bottle of Xinomavro rosé, and the flavors were so vibrant—ripe strawberries, watermelon, a touch of citrus, and a hint of herbal spice. It was crisp, refreshing, and had just the right amount of acidity.

I paired it with grilled shrimp and a Greek salad, and it was absolute perfection. I’ve read that Greek rosés also go well with grilled octopus, feta-based dishes, and even spicy Mediterranean mezze. Some are fruitier, while others have more minerality, especially those from Crete or the Peloponnese.

Has anyone else explored Greek rosé wines? Any favorite bottles or pairing recommendations? I’m excited to try more and would love to hear what you all suggest!
 
Greek rosé is such an underrated gem! Xinomavro rosé is a fantastic choice—its balance of acidity, fruitiness, and herbal notes makes it super food-friendly. If you loved that, you might want to explore rosés from Crete, especially those made from Liatiko. They tend to have a bit more minerality and can pair beautifully with seafood and even roasted vegetables.

Another great one to try is Agiorgitiko rosé from the Peloponnese. It’s often a bit juicier, with red berry and floral notes, making it a great match for feta-based dishes, like tyropita or baked feta with honey.

If you’re into something a bit different, check out Assyrtiko rosé blends—they have a crisp, almost saline edge that works wonders with grilled octopus.

Greek rosé is such a versatile category; you’re in for a treat as you explore more! What’s next on your list to try?
 

Seasoning / Sauce for Dolmades?

Hey everyone! I’ve been making dolmades at home more often lately (the rice-stuffed grape leaves, not the meat ones), and I usually love finishing them with a nice avgolemono sauce. The lemony egg mixture adds such a cozy tang, but honestly, some nights it just feels like too much effort—especially when I’m already tired from rolling all those leaves!

I’m wondering if anyone has simpler ways to finish dolmades that still give that bright, lemony flavor without making a separate sauce. I’ve tried just squeezing fresh lemon over the top, but it feels like something’s missing. Do you add lemon zest, broth, or olive oil to the pot while cooking? Maybe a shortcut sauce that doesn’t involve tempering eggs?

Would love to hear what’s worked for you. I want them to still feel special, just not complicated. Bonus points if it makes the whole dish feel more comforting! Thanks in advance!

Getting grilled octopus tender?

Hey all, I could use some advice. I absolutely love Greek-style grilled octopus—tender, smoky, a little charred, and drizzled with olive oil and lemon. I’ve been trying to recreate it at home, but my early attempts haven’t been quite right. The flavor’s there, but the texture is tough or rubbery, and I know that’s not how it’s supposed to be.

What’s the secret to getting it tender before grilling? I’ve heard everything from boiling it in vinegar water, to freezing it first, to slow braising it. Some say marinate, others say don’t. I’d really appreciate any tips—especially from people who’ve actually managed to get that perfect tender-crisp balance. Do you cook it first, and for how long, or go straight to the grill? I’d love to get this right!

What are Epirus pies?

I was chatting with a friend recently about Greek food, and she mentioned “Epirus pies.” I’m of Greek descent and pretty familiar with traditional dishes, but I honestly had never heard of them! She made it sound like there’s a whole category of pies unique to the Epirus region—both savory and sweet—but I didn’t get a lot of details.

Is this really a regional thing? Are they different from the spanakopita and tiropita I grew up with? I’m curious about what makes them special—different fillings, crusts, or preparation?

If anyone here is from Epirus or has experience with these pies, I’d love to hear more. Are there any classic ones I should try making? Would also be great to know if they’re found in bakeries elsewhere in Greece, or mostly made at home.

Thanks in advance—always excited to learn more about the regional food traditions I didn’t grow up with!

Making Biftekia Juicy?

I make biftekia all the time, but they don’t always turn out the way I want—sometimes they’re juicy and perfect, but more often than not, they come out a bit tough or dry. I’m wondering what I might be doing wrong. I’ll admit, I don’t follow a specific recipe—I just sort of wing it each time based on what I have on hand. Sometimes I add breadcrumbs, other times just grated onion or a splash of milk, but there’s no real method.

Do you think it’s the mix-ins, the meat-to-fat ratio, or maybe how long I cook them? I usually pan-fry them, but maybe baking would help? I want that soft, flavorful, almost melt-in-your-mouth texture like the ones from tavernas. Any tips on what makes the biggest difference when it comes to tenderness? I’d love to figure out a more consistent approach!

Cooking with wine in Greek cuisine?

I would love some advice on cooking with wine. I can't seem to get it right! Which Greek dishes use it? I am unsure of how much to use or what type of wine. Most of my family recipes just say "wine" and the person who wrote these recipes has passed away.

For example, I’m planning to make kokkinisto and maybe a seafood youvetsi, but I’m unsure if the wine I use will make or break the flavor. Are there general guidelines for which Greek wines pair best with certain dishes? And is it worth using something like Agiorgitiko or Moschofilero in cooking, or should I stick to basic table wine?

Also, do you reduce the wine before adding other ingredients, or simmer it all together?
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