Raise Your Glass: Ancient World Greece

 Jason Clarke, Contributor

"No thing more excellent nor more valuable than wine was ever granted mankind by God." Plato, Greek philosopher, (c. 427-347 BC)

For more than 4,000 years, wine has played an active role in Greek culture and lifestyle, inspiring artists, philosophers, and the lives of everyday citizens. One might even argue that Aristotle's most brilliant ideas may have been inspired by a little vino. Quite often, intellectual gatherings would occur with much philosophical banter over wine, very much the same way we discuss politics and our economy over a delightful bottle to ease the full gravity of our hardships.

Greece is the original wine producer in Europe and it was so ingrained in their beliefs that their mythology recognises a god of wine - Dionysus.

Although Greek wines are not hugely popular nor readily available, there is one place that represents the essence of Greece - Opa! That was where my journey took me, and quite coincidentally, our wine club periodically ventures out to wine bars and restaurants to sample wines and food that could be described as heavenly, and on such a night, we found ourselves at the Hope Road restaurant.

Opa has quite an extensive selection of wines, particularly Greek wine. I started my experience with a Retsina, which I must confess takes a little getting used to, but when paired with light foods such as flaky pastry and cheese, is an exceptional wine to kick-start an evening of wine and friends. Certainly not like the wines we are typically accustomed to out of France and Italy, but worthy in its own right.

My big fat Greek wine

Looking through the wine list, I could not ignore 'My Big Fat Greek Wine' which immediately reminded me of the movie My Big Fat Greek Wedding which gave me the impression that this wine in red or white would be versatile and robust. The varietals are not the same as the ones we are typically accustomed to seeing on our supermarket shelves or even in most restaurants, and though not easy to pronounce, they are native varietals to Greece, and delicious. Given my natural preferences for red wines, I tried the Agiorgitiko varietal. It certainly is not sweet, although with a fruity and refreshing aftertaste, which makes it an easy drinking wine that can be enjoyed with most Greek food. This is a definite must-try if you are feeling Greek.

As the proprietor tells me, for Greeks, it is about wine and food and how well they marry. I know octopus is not the norm for many, but fresh off the grill with My Big Fat Greek Wine Savatiano, it made me feel like I was sitting by the seaside really living a Greek's life. One has to try a beautiful rosé which pairs well with a little chocolate as a beautiful end to an evening.

Not only does Opa boast a number of native wines, but has an impressive Million Dollar wine list. Just looking at the bottles had me salivating, but it gives me something to aspire to someday.

Make your restaurant experience more than just food, but incredible wine as well!

I am not an expert, merely a wine enthusiast sharing my thoughts and experiences. Feel free to share your own experiences at wineenthusiastja@gmail.com.