An Authority of Greek Wines - Nico Manessis

We've found a true expert in the world of Greek Wine - and his name is Nico Manessis. He's the published authority on Greek wines, having published several books on the subject - and continuing to produce wine reviews, regional Greek wine education and news, and also making unique Greek travel videos along the Greek wine routes.

If you want to know what a true wine expert thinks of a particular Greek wine, breeze through his posts for real reviews and opinion on most Greek wines. For example, this excerpt from his review on Naoussa Diamantakos (read the whole thing here):

...Dark ruby. Slowly opens up to earth, sous bois. It then blossoms to strawberry scents. Cocoa. Depth. Tannins reminiscent of Renato Ratti's Nebbiolos, with increased volume, firework aromatics and an intense palate. "Sweet" strawberry and graphite on the bitter-almond, edgy, rich in glycerol finish. A highly strung thoroughbred. At this juncture, three hours of decanting, and all parts meet in harmony. Serve at cellar temperature. Best 2012-2018.

And with the review, you can find expert writing and opinion on the region, and in many cases - a video or photograph of the winery or area. If you're not a wine expert, or an expert on all things Greek - you will be after perusing his very informative and helpful site.

His book is several years old now, but we're pretty sure the content still holds true, and Mr. Manessis has made it very clear he's not slowing down on touring Greece and testing the wines to produce well-written and informative reviews on all things "Greek Wine".

If you haven't been able to get to Greece yet for a tour of your own, and you're a wine lover - you must check out Nico's site, where you can read up on the Greek wine regions, and view videos of exclusive wineries and wine tastings.

Learn more at Greek Wine World

Wine: An Ancient Gift From The Gods

You would certainly know that the Greeks are completely and utterly responsible for the blessing of WINE; all kinds of wine!

Certainly, the Greeks are considered the creators of red, rosé and white wines - with the 'finest' wines being thought to have been from Thásos, Lesbos and Chios regions. The reputation of the wine, of course, depended heavily on the region it was produced. Less 'fine' and more 'in-the-homes' of the country folk was an atypical table wine made from water and the residue from squeezed grapes and lees.

Like ancient wine critics, the poets of the time wrote and sang, and passed tradition about their favorite wines, the flavors, the textures - and so, we're able to learn much from these texts.

Historically, most Greek wines were cut with water, because not doing so was believed to cause madness and even - death.  This was a true attempt to monitor overuse and remain civilized while consuming wine. Undiluted wine, or akraton - and only believed to have been consumed by 'barbarians' in the northern regions of Europe.

Different variations of different types of wine had medicinal uses, Hippocrates having been quite successful in treating fevers and convalescence and even using wine as an antiseptic. Outside of these therapeutic uses, Greek society - for the most part -  did not approve of women drinking wine; it is said that some Greek laws* actually restricted women to drinking water. Sparta was the only city where women routinely drank wine.


(*and as a sidenote, Ziziki's certainly does not approve of this ancient Greek law! NO-OPA-THERE!)

The Greeks were quite innovative in their methods for creating wine, from the process of crushing their grapes, to the experimental tests of producing a more-or-less acidic wine by harvesting premature grapes. Greek wine was often with honey and made 'medicinal' by adding thyme, pennyroyal and other herbs. No stone was left unturned when it came to testing new wine variants.

Dionysus, it is certain - is very proud. Visit us at Ziziki's to test and find your favorite from our exclusive selection of fine wines at one of our Dallas wine bar locations.

A Perfect Place to Meet,Greet and Eat

Ziziki's is a perfect place for lunch or dinner in Dallas; with three convenient locations: Travis Walk, North Dallas and Plano. Come join us today for authentic Greek cuisine accompanied by either a Zizikis Cosmo or a Zizikis Sunkiss cocktail - it's happy hour from 4-6 (Monday through Friday). We also have a full children's menu.

We have over 75 different wines in our Dallas wine bar from all over the world including authentic Greek and Italian red wines. We also have a large selection of imported and domestic beers if wine is not your thing. So if you are looking for a place to entertain clients or for a few friends to meet Ziziki's is the perfect venue.

The Best Happy Hour In Dallas

Last week we posted about 'eating lean' and having a healthy diet and lifestyle.

Just because you’re wanting to 'eat clean' doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy what might just be the best Happy Hour in Dallas!  If you're eating healthy - you can splurge a little. A healthy lifestyle means you are eating right, exercising and 'doing the right thing' by your body on a regular basis. This sets the stage to be able to 'live it up a little' once in a while. You know what we have to say to that... OPA!

Come by and sip on our 100-calorie Skinny Margaritas. Subtract the calories without subtracting any of the taste and we’ll bet you’ll be coming back for more. Or - enjoy some exclusive craft beers or one of our other cocktails. OF course - the Greeks have always known that wine sports fantastic health benefits.

Have the best of both worlds at Zizikis - Make it your ritual! OPA!

Wine about it!

When you think of opening up a bottle of wine, do you opt for a fine French Bordeaux or a rich, yet fruity, Italian Chianti or even a Cabernet Sauvignon from one of the most popular non-European vineyard - that of say - Napa Valley in California?

What about Greek wines? You know - they have been doing it LONGER than anyone! Greek wines have been dated to over 6500 years ago. The Greeks were known to worship Dionysus, the god of wine, It has been said Hippocrates used wine for medicinal purposes. Viticulture (the science, production and study of grapes) originated in Greece with domestic cultivation becoming widespread throughout Europe. Greek wines and their varieties were well known and traded throughout the Mediterranean and across the world.

The importance of wine in ancient Greek society can be summed up best by a quote from the Greek historian Thucydides: "the peoples of the Mediterranean began to emerge from barbarism when they learned to cultivate the olive and the vine". I know I feel more at “peace” when I am indulging on a tasty glass of vintage Lantides Aenaon, Merlot from Greece.

Be sure to visit us for Dallas Best Wine Selection at Zizikis or Ziziki’s Taverna to taste any one of our great ports and wines from Greece and other regions in Europe - as well as Dallas Best Greek Cuisine.

Going GREEK At School

Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Epsilon…..There has never been a more fitting time for GREEK things, than at the beginning of Greek Rush (also called Greek Week) at Colleges and Universities all across the country.

"Greek life" started the year that the United State declared their independence, 1776 at the College of William and Mary in Virginia. While there were Latin "clubs" at the time, Greek fraternities emerged and distinguished themselves as being exclusive from the other clubs on campus by utilizing the Greek alphabet to identify their 'chapters'. Certainly, to this day - there are fraternities and sororities that do not have Greek letter names at all - such as Skull and Bones at Yale, Acacia and Farmhouse.

The emergence of Greek organizations, later known as "fraternities" and "sororities", took hold of college life and began to establish itself on campuses all throughout the country! Now many college students go through “Greek Rush” to become a member of a Sorority or Fraternity and it has become the most exciting part of going to college. Making new friends and attending fun events is what makes Greek life so great – some friends that last a lifetime.

Close to home, the DFW metroplex boasts a university with the 2nd largest Greek student body (by capita) in the country! TCU in Fort Worth, Texas has a campus that nearly 43% of their 8,000 students are involved in some Greek letter organization. With all the “Greek activities” going on including – Toga parties, Greek initiations and partying “Greek style” you could treat your sorority or fraternity new member for some authentic Greek food to celebrate their big moment!

Ziziki’s would be pleased to have you and your brothers or sisters come to dinner one night to celebrate. Ziziki's is known for it's catering, as well as our party rooms to cater your party or large group or private dining. Or - perhaps you're looking for a something a bit different - visit Ziziki's Taverna for our small plate appetizers and huge wine bar. Visit one of our two locations in Dallas for some great Greek cuisine and a great Greek atmosphere! Remember - It’s fun to GO GREEK!

Mary's Wine PIck

I am always looking for that new unique wine to offer at Ziziki’s and…WOW…you will fall in love with the two wines that we are featuring this week from Patagonia Argentina.  Argentina has been making wine since the 1500s, tracing its wine heritage back to Spain, France and Italy.  Located in the province of Neuquen, is a young and innovative new winery…Bodega NQN…which was established in 2001.  The winery is situated in a modern, chic, low-lying building set into the Patagonian landscape…a setting truly representative of the creativity of owner, Lucas Nemesio, who has an architectural background.  The unique wines NQN is producing from this cool climate in the Southern Hemisphere are truly superb.  When I tasted these wines last month with Lucas, I thought they would be a great match with our flavorful Greek cuisine.

Malma Sauvignon Blanc 2010    $8/glass

This Sauvignon Blanc rivals the best from Marlborough, New Zealand.  It is fruity and crisp with a more rounded mouthfeel and nice acidity on the finish which makes this wine a perfect food wine or just great on a hot Dallas summer day.

Malma Malbec 2009    $8/glass

This malbec has intense red color and aromas of red fruit, fresh raspberry, plum and cherry.  The bright fruit has vanilla hints from its oak aging.  This Malbec has good structure and a slight spice on the finish which stands up well to our great lamb dishes, including our Greek meatballs.

NQN brings the kind of passion to wine that gets your attention…these two wines certainly got my attention!

The Curiousity Of Woman

At one point in time, there were only gods. This came to be tiresome, however, so Zeus ordered Prometheus to create man. Prometheus however, not at all pleased with the outcome of man, decided to steal fire from Heaven. As soon as Zeus knew this he became angered and immediately hired Hephaistos and other gods to create the first woman, Pandora, who would be both cunning and beautiful.


Having this woman made, Zeus presented her to Prometheus’ slightly dim-witted younger brother, Epimetheus. Epimetheus, being taken by Pandora, married her, and they were very happy. As a wedding present Zeus gave them a box, but told both Epimetheus and Pandora that it must never be opened.


So for a good time it wasn’t, until one day Epimetheus went out, and Pandora’s curiosity got the better of her. She decided that she would just open the box briefly to see what was inside and then close it back just as quickly as if nothing had ever happened – this, however, did not work.


As soon as Pandora opened this box awful things – such as lust, hatred, greed, and so on – started coming out, and no matter how hard she tried she could not get the box to shut and she could not get these abstract concepts back in.

So one by one they came out and as she thought it was over, and as she started to close the box, one more concept came out – hope – so that man, while he may have all of these sufferings and afflictions throughout his life, may be able to persevere, because no matter what he will always have hope to help him through it.

But don't fret over the release of all of man's most horrific emotions into the world - instead - come by Dallas wine bar at Ziziki's, or visit Ziziki's Taverna for Dallas Happy Hour or a bit of Mediterranean Fare In Dallas. Not unlike Pandora's Box - you do not know what you are going to get when you first open the doors, and when you come in you get more than you ever expected or could have wished for.

Going Green and Going GREEK For St. Patty's Day

March 17th is well known around the world as St. Patrick's Day.  Ireland is well-represented by pubs and bars all across Greece, with with Crete being the most popular with those from Ireland and visitors from all over the world. There are over 20 Irish themed pubs and bars on Crete alone.

And certainly - in Greece, where there's always a reason to celebrate - you can imagine that Greeks take part in the enjoyment of the green beer - or - the green beer BOTTLE.

Mythos Beer is one of the most popular bee - and it comes in a bright green bottle.

But instead of flying to Athens for some special beer - why not head over to one of our three Ziziki's locations or Ziziki's Taverna in Addison for a festive atmosphere, spirits and scrumptious mezzes?

So go green ...and go Greek!

Slainte!

More About Chef Costa and Mary - Owners of Zizikis Restaurants

The Ziziki's family of Greek restaurants are owned and managed by Costa & Mary Arabatzis; long-time residents and business owners in the Dallas area.

Award-winning chef, Costa Arabatzis - is no stranger to the industry, he began his restaurant career as Assistant Dishwasher in his father's restaurant in sunny California. (also where he was born)  He winded his way around positions, and eventually became Assistant Manager and then, Cook.


In 1986, Costa and his father found themselves in beautiful Hawaii, where they opened the Greek Bistro on the island of Maui - and it's still a local and visitor must-try restaurant.

Costa moved to Dallas in 1990 and eventually opened Ziziki’s Restaurant with partner Mary Cloutier Arabatzis, and recently was awarded winner of the Taste of Addison - Taste The Competition contest.


Mary Arabatzis hails from Minneapolis, Minnesota and is a graduate from Drake University in Des Moines with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism.

Mary 's been in big D since 1980, and has tons of feathers in her cap with regard to her former career in marketing and media relations. She was Media Supervisor at Tracy-Locke, Vice President – Media at Bozell, Inc. (currently Temerlin-McClain) and also Vice President, Media Director of NWAyer Dallas.

With regard to her position at Ziziki's, she is responsible for all the locations 'front of the house': that is - management of staff, sales & marketing, and the development of the wine list. And she's been nothing short of FABULOUS - Ziziki’s has been awarded “The Award of Excellence” by The Wine Spectator every year since 1995 - among several other outstanding awards for customer service.


For full bios on Costa & Mary - visit Ziziki's Taverna's about us page.

Don't Wine About The Wine

Whether it is a night out with your girlfriends or a romantic dinner with your spouse, “wine” not… wine and dine? There are a variety of wines with a variety of flavors to choose from. Every wine has its own unique taste depending on which type of grape and region it came from.

Greece is one of the oldest wine producing countries in the world. In Ancient Greece the reputation of the wine was based on where the wine came from and not the individual producer of the wine. Wine was a very important part of Greek history, which would take pages to explain, so let’s move on to the mouth watering part of Greek history; that is the different types of wines!

First of all you might be wondering why is white wine not really “white”? Most white wines are a yellow/golden color. This is because white wines are made from the grape juice and the grape skin of gold, green, or yellow grapes. It can also be made from the juice of a red grape but not the skin( usually in champagne). Drinking white wine is most common when consuming a lighter meal such as lunch or an appetizer. It is also great during the spring and summer because it is a lighter more refreshing type of wine. Have you ever tried a white wine? ...Well if not, the most common white wines that are served in our restaurant today are Chardonnay and Champagne.

Unlike white wine, red wine is actually red. It might not always look red, but it usually is considered a shade of red on the color scale. This wine is actually true to its name because the grapes that are used to make this kind of wine are red, deep purple, and even blue. They receive their unique color and name because during the fermentation process the skins of the grapes are actually in contact with the juices which creates a wide variety of deep colors. When drinking red wine you want to make sure that the temperature is just right. If it is to warm the wine will have an overwhelming taste of alcohol. If the wine is too cold it will have an extremely bitter taste, this is why all red wines should be served at room temperature. Some of the most common red wines at Ziziki's and Volos Taverna are Cabernet and Pinot Noir.

Choosing the right wine might be difficult, but once you find it you will be asking yourself… “ ‘wine not’ go out for the perfect glass of wine tonight.”