Greek Dolmades and Tzatziki: A Greek Culinary Duo That Pairs Perfectly with Moschofilero

Greek Food Beyond Gyros

What comes to mind when you think of Greek food? Likely gyros—those delicious pitas stuffed with roasted lamb and beef, topped with red onion, tomatoes, lettuce, and a generous slather of tzatziki. While gyros are quintessentially Greek, the cuisine offers so much more. If you haven’t explored beyond gyros, you’re missing out. Greek dolmades and tzatziki are two must-try dishes that pair exceptionally well with aromatic Greek white wines like Moschofilero.

Greek Cuisine and the Mediterranean Diet

Greek cuisine epitomizes the Mediterranean diet, emphasizing vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, grains, olive oil, fish, and some red meat. Recipes feature fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors, with staples like dill, parsley, oregano, olive oil, and lots of lemon juice creating unmistakably Greek dishes.

Dolmades: A Flavor-Packed Greek Classic

Dolmades are grape leaves stuffed with rice, dill, parsley, and scallions, marinated in olive oil and lemon juice before being wrapped and simmered until tender. This dish is simple to prepare yet bursting with fresh, zesty flavors. They’re easily my favorite Greek bite and I can never resist ordering them whenever I see them on a menu. Dolmades are a quintessential part of Greek cuisine especially when savored with delectable tzatziki.

Greek Meze: Small Plates, Big Flavors

Dolmades are part of a Greek culinary tradition called meze, which translates to "taste" or "bite." Meze includes savory small plates like calamari, octopus salad, chickpeas in tomato sauce, Greek salad, spanakopita, Greek meatballs, grilled vegetables, and homemade Greek sausages. Accompanying these are dips like tzatziki, taramosalata, hummus, and tirokafteri. The Spanish have tapas, the Italians have aperitivo, and the Greeks have meze.

The Perfect Wine Pairing: Moschofilero

The aromatic flavors of dolmades—herbs, green onions, and earthy grape leaves—pair beautifully with a dry, aromatic white wine like Moschofilero. This Greek variety offers floral and citrus notes with refreshing acidity, enhancing the fresh flavors of dolmades and tzatziki. Other great pairings include Malagousia, Albariño, or Vermentino. For red wine lovers, a light-bodied Agiorgitiko or a rosato of Nerello Mascalese also works well.

Tzatziki: The Quintessential Greek Sauce

Tzatziki is a tangy and refreshing sauce made with Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, dill, and lemon juice. It’s versatile and pairs perfectly with dolmades, grilled meats, or as a dip for warm pita bread. Straining the cucumber to remove excess water is key to achieving the ideal consistency. My family has lovingly dubbed my recipe "Niktziki," and it’s always a hit at gatherings.

Dolmades Recipe

Prep Time: 40 mins | Cook Time: 45 mins | Total Time: 1 hr 25 mins

Ingredients:

• 1 16 oz jar of grape leaves in brine

• 2 cups short or long grain rice

• Juice of 2 lemons

• 1 bunch scallions, finely chopped

• 2 bunches dill, finely chopped

• 1/2 bunch curly parsley

• Extra virgin olive oil

Instructions:

1. Soak the rice in water for 20 minutes.

2. Bring water to a boil in a pot. Turn off the heat and soak the grape leaves for a few minutes. Rinse and pat dry.

3. Combine drained rice, chopped herbs, scallions, lemon juice, 2-3 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture stand for 1-2 hours.

4. Lay grape leaves smooth side down. Place a small amount of rice filling at the base, fold the sides, and roll tightly but not too firmly.

5. Line a pot with lemon slices and extra grape leaves. Arrange dolmades seam-side down. Add 3 1/4 cups water and 1/4 cup olive oil. Weigh down with a plate and cook on low heat for 30-45 minutes. Serve with tzatziki.

Tzatziki Recipe

Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 10 mins

Ingredients:

• 2 cups 2% Greek yogurt

• 3-4 tbsp grated cucumber

• 1/4 tsp oregano

• 1/2 tsp dried dill

• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 1/4 tsp granulated garlic

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Grate the cucumber and drain excess water using paper towels or cheesecloth.

2. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Adjust seasoning to taste.

3. Serve as a sauce, dip, or condiment. Store in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Savor Greek Flavors

Greek dolmades and tzatziki are a match made in heaven, embodying the fresh and vibrant flavors of Greece. Pair them with a chilled glass of Moschofilero, and you have a feast fit for the gods. Whether indulging in a full meze spread or enjoying dolmades on their own, you’re guaranteed a taste of Greek culinary excellence. Cheers!