The three novels I’d written before this one had all been set (in part at least) in Italy but when I started thinking about the story for my latest book, I knew Paxos was the perfect setting. I’d visited a few years before with some of my best friends, one of whom knew the island well. This made all the difference, not least because I got to meet so many lovely people as well as visit places I never would’ve found otherwise. Obviously, I’ve weaved a fair bit of wine into the storyline and given that Greece is (at long last) being recognised as one of the most exciting wine-producing countries in the world, this was really fun to do. What’s more, how Greeks do food and wine is one of my favourite ways of all – everything on the table at once. It’s about taking bits of everything and topping your plate (and glass) up as you go. Here are some wines to look out for made from some of the main grape varieties grown across the country…and not a retsina in sight!
Zacharias Assyrtiko, £12.49, Waitrose
From the Nemea Valley in the Peloponnese in Southern Greece, this bright white is made from the Assyrtiko (say it like this: az-zihr-tik-oh) grape. Originally from the island of Santorini, it has since spread across the country where it thrives in hot, dry regions. This particular one is made by one of the oldest wineries in the region and is a real gem, full of white peach and citrus flavours together with a touch of the sea. Talking of which, it works best when paired with anything from the sea. Think shellfish, calamari and grilled fish.
Thymiopoulos Xinomavro £13.99, Majestic
One of Greece’s main red grape varieties, Xinomavro (pronounced zin-oh-mav-row) produces wines with a vibrant streak. We’re talking black cherry and plum fruit flavours with plenty of oomph and grip (not strictly technical terms but you get the idea). This one’s made by one of the masters of this particular grape, Apostolos Thymiopoulos, in the Naoussa region in northern Greece and is the kind of red you need on the table when there’s slow roast lamb on the table.
Samos Anthemis 2017 50cl £9.95, The Wine Society
The Island of Samos lies in Aegean Sea on Greece’s eastern coast and it’s where you’ll find the luscious, naturally sweet Greek wine made from the Muscat grape. The wine is fortified to 15% early in the fermentation so the wine retains lots of its natural fruit sugars. It’s spent five years ageing in barrels, hence the colour, and the wine is full of gorgeous honey and marmalade flavours along with dried fruits and a touch of nuttiness. Sip this slowly with blue cheese or whilst nibbling on dark chocolate.