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You may be wondering about wine pairing with gyros. It’s a fair question, and there’s no one definitive answer. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have some fun experimenting with different wines to see what pairs best!
There are all sorts of different wines out there, from crisp and dry Rieslings to fruity Pinot Noirs, and everything in between. So why not try mixing and matching until you find the perfect combination for you?
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What Are Gyros, And What Is The History Behind Them?
Gyros are a type of sandwich made with meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie. The name “gyro” comes from the Greek word for “circle”.
The first gyro was created in Greece in the 1920s by a man named Christoforos Kulukundis. Kulukundis was looking for a way to make his lamb and beef kebabs more portable, so he came up with the idea of cooking them on a rotating spit. Gyros quickly became popular in Greece, and they later spread to other parts of Europe and North America. Today, gyros are enjoyed all over the world.
There is often a debate on the correct pronunciation of “gyro”. Most people say “jeye-roh.” But the correct pronunciation is actually “gee-roh.”
What Wines Pair Well With Gyros?
When considering wine pairing with gyros there are a few different wines that pair well. Reds such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, or Merlot pair nicely with the lamb and spices in a gyro. For whites, Riesling or Pinot Grigio are good options. The sweetness of the wine balances out the spice in the gyro while the acidity cuts through the richness of the meat.
Pairing greek dishes with wine is all about finding complementary flavors. The sweetness, bright acidity, and bitterness of wine can all be matched up with different flavors in food to create a balanced pairing. So whether you’re eating gyros or another dish, take into account what flavors are present and look for a wine that will accentuate those greek food flavors.
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A Simple Gyro Recipe
Following is a simple but classic gyro recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground lamb
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, divided
- 6 pita bread rounds, warmed and split in half horizontally*
- 3/4 cup tzatziki sauce (recipe follows)
Instructions
In a bowl, combine the lamb, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder and black pepper. Mix well. Form into six equal-sized patties. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of the oil and swirl to coat. Add the patties to the skillet and cook for 3 minutes per side or until browned and cooked through.
To assemble, place each patty in a pita half. Drizzle with tzatziki sauce and serve immediately.*If you can’t find pita bread rounds, you can use whole wheat tortillas or flatbreads instead.
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Ingredients For The Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, seeded and grated
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
In a bowl, combine all of the ingredients. Mix well and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before using.
Pairing Wine With Greek Food: Greek Salad
A dry white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio would be perfect for pairing with a Greek salad. The bright, citrus flavors of the wine will compliment the lemon and olive oil in the salad, while the acidity will help to cleanse your palate between bites.
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Final Thoughts About Pairing Wine With Gyros
You may be wondering about pairing with gyros. It’s a fair question, and there’s no one definitive answer. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have some fun experimenting with different wines to see what pairs best!
There are all sorts of different wines out there, from crisp and dry Rieslings to fruity Pinot Noirs, and everything in between.
So whether you’re eating gyros or another dish, take into account what flavors are present and look for a wine that will accentuate those flavors. With so many different wines to choose from, there’s no need to stick to just one pairing! Try mixing and matching until you find the perfect combination for you.
This article provides great insight into What to Eat with Cabernet Sauvignon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is pinot noir a greek red wine?
A: No, pinot noir is not a greek wine. Pinot noir is a wine made from the pinot noir grape, which originated in Burgundy, France.
Q: Does traditional greek cuisine consist of spicy foods?
A: No, traditional greek cuisine does not consist of spicy foods. However, many middle eastern and Mediterranean countries share similar cuisines, which do often include spicier dishes.
Q: What are the most common greek vegetarian dishes?
A: There are many delicious and popular Greek vegetarian dishes. Some of the most common include spanakopita (spinach pie), dolmades (grape leaves stuffed with rice), yalanchi (a mix of cooked greens such as spinach, chard, or kale, olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice), Imam Bayildi (aubergine dish cooked with onions and tomatoes), fasolada (bean soup), and greek salad. Many of these dishes can be enjoyed as part of a mezze or tapas style meal, which is perfect for sharing with friends.
Q: What are the best regions for greek wines?
A: In general, the best wines come from the Peloponnese and Attica regions. However, there are also good wines made in Macedonia, Thrace, Thessaly, Epirus, and Crete.
