Five(ish) Questions
Almost everything you need to know about Greek wine from Christina Boutari
Christina Boutari at the Houston Greek Festival
Boutari Winery in Santorini
Tasting room at Boutari WineryPhoto by Zane Katsikis
Elios wine
Palate cleansers and winePhoto via Wayfaring.info
Ever heard of Moschofilero? What about Agiorgitiko? Well whether you can pronounce them or not, if you haven't heard of these Greek wine varietals you'd better hightail it to your nearest merchant — Montrose's Bacchus might be a good place to start.
We first tasted a range of Greek wines at this year's Greek Fest, where Grecian brand Boutari provided the vino. The experience inspired us to sit down with Christina Boutari (a fifth-generation Boutari winemaker) to discuss why Houston houses her favorite Greek Festival and what makes her country's varietals so different.
CultureMap: Is this your first time at the Houston Greek Festival??
Christina Boutari: It's my first time ever in Texas! I think it will be my favorite. We have been providing the wine for several years. I know there are other festivals [in the U.S.] but I hear this is the best.
CM: Tell us a little bit about your family's brand.
CB: We started the business in 1879. We began with reds, with Merlot, which grows in Naoussa, and started buying up vineyards across Greece — Goumenissa, Mantinia, Athens, Santorini, Crete...
CM: What's been your role in the family business?
CB: I grew up in Thessaloniki and moved to Athens when I was 12; that's where the offices are. My father is CEO and my older sister is marketing director. I used to do marketing, but since June I'm working in exports. Texas is one of our biggest markets.
CM: How are Greek varietals different than what we get from, say, Napa?
CB: People in the U.S. want to try new things, and Greek wine is different. A Chardonnay from Napa will taste of oak. A Moschofilero has no oak. It's crisp and floral and pairs well with food. It's really versatile; you can pair it with Asian cuisine. It's light, fresh and easy to introduce.
CM: How many varietals are specific to Greece?
CB: Moschofilero; Xinomavro, from Naoussa; Assyrtiko from Santorini; and Agiorgitiko from Peloponnese — those are the big four that you can only get in Greece.
Boutari has been among Wine & Spirits' top wineries of the year for 15 years running. Boutari wines are available at Spec's, Whole Foods and some area Krogers.
