BWW Interviews: Meet the Wine Experts - EKLEKTIKON Greek Wine Importers

Eklektikon, exclusive importers of Greek wine, have set out to challenge people's perceptions and create a new identity that encapsulates the vast history and influence of Greek wines and bringing a renewed sense of Greek culture to the United States. Eklektikon is broadening the reach and increasing availability of the wines. Working with four of the top wineries in Greece-Chatzivaritis, Oenogenesis, Pieria Eratini and Dougos, Eklektikon has introduced Modern Greek wines to the U.S. with a fresher image, contemporary graphics, striking bottles and surprising flavors. They currently import a portfolio of 29 distinct wines and have vigorous plans for expansion.

We interviewed wine expert, Aris Soultanos of Eklektikon about the growing popularity of Greek wines.

What special qualities do you feel Greek wines offer the wine connoisseur?

Greek wines are known for many impressive things that make them unique among all other wines in the world. Greece has the longest wine making history in the world, and that goes beyond being just a mere historical fact. The DNA of the vines is ancient, which translates into much more developed expression of the soil where they evolved. Additionally, one can explore and find different and unexpected grapes to love, out of the 300 that Greece has to offer (the 2nd largest indigenous grape variety in the world). Greek wines are also famous for their acidity, which makes them some of the best food wines (the more the acidity, the better it complements food and accentuates its flavors). Perhaps a reason why many chefs prefer Greek wines on the wine list that accompanies their menu. Finally, Greece has an extremely rich heritage and history that is tightly linked to wine. Wine defined people's daily lives in ancient Greece. This lends itself to a unique experience that goes far beyond the wine in the bottle, and can connect with the wine drinker in much deeper emotional and cultural levels. Greek wine is like a museum in a bottle.

Where can Greek wines be found in the New York metropolitan area?

A lot more places than in the past. I would say in half the liquor stores in the city (NYC) and all the restaurants that are ahead of the curve, and interested in providing a more holistic and balanced wine list. It is of course a stipulation at Greek restaurants. A more comprehensive list of liquor stores can be provided.

What are some plans for a larger distribution?

We are in the process of making our portfolio available in different states, as we receive inquires from many locations outside of NY state, such as IL, WA and FL. Our target is set on DC and Virginia, with IL and CA to follow. We are very close to entering Washington state because of an increased interest in our wines there.

Tell us about some of the reactions you have gotten from sommeliers about Greek wines in their restaurants.

The initial reactions vary. It depends on the somms' open-mindedness, education and past experiences with Greek wine. For the most part, they are very open to the idea of Greek wine, because they have tasted and were impressive with the acidity and the uniqueness of it. At the same time, they don't know as much about it as they would like to, so they are "thirsty" to know more and try more. There are a few occasions where Greek wine is not as welcome, which is understandably due to negative past experiences because of the low quality of Greek wine that was being imported and promoted until 15 or 20 years ago. In cases where we had the opportunity to taste with naysayers, we managed to completely change their opinion of Greek wine. It is always interesting watching the shift of someone not thinking much about Greek wine, to actually becoming a fan. They end up getting so impressed that they talk about it and share their newly developed enthusiasm. Of course, our specific portfolio is part of the reason why we are able to convert people.

Why do you feel Greek wines are gaining popularity so rapidly?

Because it is a fresh and authentic proposition, with deep historical and cultural roots, in a saturated market with consumers that are gaining more knowledge and want to explore more of what is out there. The famous acidity is also another reason for adoption by the industry. The rise in popularity of Greek food and its link to health also helps. And a more macro-economic reason is the fact that the best of Greece is finally coming out of the country, since the domestic market has shrunk considerably.

Tell us about a few perfect pairings for Greek Wines.

Greek wine goes with many different cuisines and can complement food in general. It usually complements cleaner flavors, such as Mediterranean, Japanese or Indian. In general, it is hard to decide, given the large number of indigenous Greek grapes and their different profiles. The acidity of the white Assyrtiko is a natural pairing with salty seafood, while the red Xinomavro, with its rich tannins, spiciness, and earthiness, is superb with steaks and red meat.

What is the pricing of Greek Wines?

The retail pricing for our portfolio is in the medium-high range, beginning from $14-17 for our Pandeia and Cantharus label, going up to $18-19 for our famous Blink sparkling and our En Oeno... rosé, then around $20 for our Eurynome white, Staphylus red, Rapsani, En Oeno... white, and Wishes Eratines white wines. We then move up to around $25 for Eurynome red, En Oeno... red, and Rapsani Old Vines. Finally, we have our more high-end like the Oenosophist label, Naked King, Wishes Eratines Sweet and the Meth' Imon line, that range from under $30 and up to $70 (for the Meth' Imon Opsimo) per bottle.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Eklektikon

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