Assyrtiko the Greek

Assyrtiko (ah-SYR-tih-koh) is a white grape grown on the Greek island, Santorini and also grown throughout Greece. I decided to explore this Greek grape while dining again at Charlie's Opa! Grill in Dallas (a wonderful BYOB restaurant). The wine that highlighted this grape was a 2008 Boutari Santorini Assyrtiko which after much research, I finally found at Central Market. The wine was a big hit at the restaurant as I was able to share it with those diners who did not bring their own wine. To enjoy the wine at its optimum, it definitely needs to be served chilled. There is a distinctive mineral taste in the wine due to the volcanic soil on Santorini. The flavors in this mildly acidic light wine paired well with a Horiatiki salad; a plateful of Greek tomatoes, cucumbers, Greek olives, Feta cheese and a creamy dressing. The saltiness of the feta cheese, the tartness of the olives and the lemony flavor of my entree, a Grilled Tilapia Lemonati definitely enhanced this inexpensive Greek wine.