Delight in South Africa’s Best Grilled and Fried Calamari, Perfectly Paired with Crisp Assyrtiko Greek Wine.

South Africa’s culinary scene is renowned for its beautiful fusion of cultures and cuisines, and Greek food holds a special place in our hearts. The salty tang of the sea, the earthiness of olive oil, and the rich depth of fine wine make Greek cuisine a soulful and satisfying experience.

Let’s start with the star of the show: the calamari. Whether you like it grilled to perfection or delicately fried to a crisp, the secret to good calamari lies in its preparation. Traditionally, calamari is marinated in a medley of herbs, lemon, and olive oil. This not only tenderises the squid, but also imparts a burst of flavours that perfectly complements the unique taste of calamari.

Grilled calamari is a Greek classic. Cooked over an open flame, it acquires a light char that heightens its seafood flavour. Grilling also locks in the juices, making the calamari incredibly tender. Pair this with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon for a simple yet tantalising dish.

On the other hand, if you’re a fan of a moreish crunch, then fried calamari is your go-to. Fried to golden perfection, this variant is light, crisp, and packed full of flavours. The key here is the balance between the tenderness of the calamari and the crispness of its coating. Dipped into a tangy tzatziki or a punchy olive oil, each bite is a sensory delight.

Now, no Greek meal is complete without a glass of wine. But not just any wine – Assyrtiko, to be precise. Hailing from the volcanic Greek island of Santorini, Assyrtiko is a white grape variety that produces a distinctively dry and mineral wine. It’s known for its bright acidity and a complex flavour profile that ranges from citrusy lemon and lime to more earthy notes of salt and smoke.

Why does Assyrtiko pair so well with calamari? The citrus notes in Assyrtiko complement the lemon used in the calamari marinade. Plus, the wine’s crisp acidity cuts through the richness of the fried calamari, refreshing your palate for the next bite. For grilled calamari, the subtle smoky flavours in Assyrtiko beautifully mirror the light char of the dish, creating a harmonious combination.

Bringing these two elements together, you have a match made in culinary heaven. The soft texture and delicate flavour of the calamari, whether grilled or fried, is beautifully amplified by the robust, full-bodied Assyrtiko. Together, they create an authentic Greek dining experience right here in South Africa.

At the end of the day, the beauty of food lies not only in its ability to satiate our hunger but also in its capacity to transport us to different corners of the world. With a plate of succulent calamari and a glass of Assyrtiko in hand, you’re just a bite and a sip away from experiencing Greece’s sun-drenched islands and their culinary magic.

So, give our famous calamari a try and let us know what you think. Whether you choose grilled or fried, don’t forget to pair it with a glass of crisp Assyrtiko wine. It’s the perfect way to indulge in an authentic Greek experience, right here in South Africa.