What do you drink when you're on vacation? Apparently, I partake in some wine!
Wine from Kouzinna
(Photo by author)
I thought it ironic that after posting a huge article on the wines of Greece on Friday (if you missed it, catch it
here), I actually had some Greek wine while with my parents and "Johnny Depp" at Kouzzina, Cat Cora's (aka Iron Chef Cat Cora) restaurant at the Disney Boardwalk in Orlando, Florida! [Side not: "Kouzzina" means "kitchen" in Greek... or so we were told...]
Entrance to Kouzzina by Cat Cora
(Photo by author)
Regardless, I chose a red Agiorgitiko from Peloponnese, Greece. Which apparently looks like this...
(Photo from Google Images)
Agiorgitiko is a Greek variety that is either produced on the heavy-tannin side or light and fruity. We tried 2 Agiorgitiko's and I have to say, I enjoyed the light and fruity one much better than the tannic one. Plus, the fruit and slight spice paired well with everyone's spanakopita (Greek spinach pie in phyllo dough) and Greek Trio (Greek lasagna, char-grilled lamb burger, and cinnamon stewed chicken with orzo).... yuuuummmm. I didn't get any pictures of the food (it was too enticing and I dove right in!). But I did snag a photo of the illuminated olive oils. (They did serve an olive oil tasting, which was to die for!)
Greek Olive Oils
(Photo by author)
Needless to say, this wine won't disappoint. On a bonus note - "My Big Fat Greek Wine" served it's purpose: it brought our family together for an evening out, in the hot Florida sun, with lots of new food and good memories to remember. Opa!!!
Opa! "Johnny Depp", me, Dad, and Mom at Kouzinna
(Photo by Eddie... from Kouzinna)
2009 Agiorgitiko by "My Big Fat Greek Wine"
The D-2010 Scale
2009 Agiorgitiko by "My Big Fat Greek Wine" (Peloponnese, Greece)
Appearance (10 points possible): dark red ruby color, dark red edges - 10 points
Aroma/Bouquet (20 points possible): Lots of red fruit. Fresh red berries, roses, slight hints of cedar, raw oak, and cinnamon. - 18 points
Taste (10 points possible): Very light and fruity on the palate. No real depth mid-palate, but lots of berries and slight spice flavors. A crisp acidity and lingering finish of cedar, oak, spice, and vanilla. Think beautiful woman in a flowy white dress in the crisp coastal breeze... type of red wine. - 8 points
Balance (5 points possible): A light red wine. No one attribute really stuck out, but it did lack some depth and structure. - 4 points
Finish (5 points possible): Hints of cedar and spice with a touch of vanilla kiss your palate. - 4 points
Packaging *Introduction to the D-2010 Scale*
Quality of Package (5 points possible): Dark glass, Nomacorc closure (unprinted), and peel-off capsule (which means you don't have to use your sommelier tool on the corkscrew!). - 4 points
Label Marketability (10 points possible): LOOK at this label! HOW FUN IS THAT? I'm sure it's not "classy" but it sure caught my attention. I'm glad the waitress gave us a taste, however, because I might have been swayed that it was a bad wine hid behind a good marketing scheme. - 10 points
Other (5 points possible): I don't know - Opa! - 5 points
Total Points: 93 points
Overall Thought: This is the perfect introductory dry, red wine. It's fruity and yet slightly serious at the same time. It's a good red for those that prefer less-tannic and low-alcohol reds, but yet, captures the finesse of a good red wine for those serious red wine drinkers. And I think the acidity in this wine made it perfect for the Greek meal we enjoyed. Honestly, I couldn't have asked for a better wine at the restaurant. It was fun enough to enjoy and yet cost effective. "Johnny Depp" called it a Greek wine that was like traditional Chianti. Opa! (I think I just like saying "opa" all over my blog!)
Food Pairings: I'd say this wine goes well with Greek food. :) After all, it was produced in Greece! Try it with some spanakopita, gyros, Greek salads, Greek olives... whatever your favorite Greek dish could be.
Cost: Retails for about $10 (you'll pay more in a restaurant)
Splurge Factor (out of 4): 1 - This is a fun red wine that is a good way to introduce you to Greek wines.
Where to buy: It looks like "My Big Fat Greek Wine" is being retailed heavily at restaurants, but I suggest you check out their website for a retail store near you! Opa!
