Recently attended a dinner at The Greek in Tribeca, featuring the wines from Naoussa from the northwest region of Macedonia, Greece. I was introduced to the Xinomavro (tzsee-NOH-mah-vro) varietal, a red wine with great aging potential as it’s high in both acid and tannins.

Since it’s a food friendly-wine (I enjoyed this red wine much better with food!), we sampled the Xinomavro from many vineyards and some cooperatives along with various offerings from The Greek. Those included:

  • Naoussa Kokkinos Winery
    Mavro Elinos Winery
    Damascenos Co-op Vaeni
    Naoussa Argatia Winery
    Naoussa Reserve Tsantali Winery
    Grande Reserve Co-op Vaeni
    Grande Reserve Boutari Winery
    Naoussa 2000 Co-op Vaeni

Food-wise, I’d recommend the tyrokafteri (spicy feta spread) with their grilled Zea bread, spread with olive oil and sprinkled with oregano. Also tasty was the Greek okra; I preferred that without the sausage.

The one whole wild shrimp that topped the skillet filled with pieces, swimming in tomato sauce all topped with feta cheese, was tender and succulent. Not so the overcooked fishy pieces underneath. I make this dish, often serving over pasta after flaming with ouzo.

The Greek’s grilled lamb chops were the best of the offerings. They married oh, so well with the red Xinomavro wines. The lamb came with oven-baked lemon potatoes.

If you’re in Tribeca and like Greek food, give it a try – and be sure to order a bottle of Xinomavro to accompany your food.

 

The Greek
458 Greenwich Street
New York, NY 10014
(646) 476-3941
The Greek Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato