August

The eighth month of the year is the month of absolute joy, carefreeness and festivities.

It takes its name from the Roman emperor Octavian Augustus, who maintained the borders of the Roman Empire and ensured peace throughout the Empire, the famous “Pax Romana”.

Schools remain closed during this month, while the temperature is usually pleasantly warm. Even when it rises a little higher, most people in Greece do not complain, because in the back of their minds there is the popular proverb that says: “From March it is summer and from August it is winter.”

Thus, carefreeness takes on even greater importance for everyone, while for tourism, this month, in the heart of summer, is one of the most important in terms of the tourist success of the year.

Many festivals are organized throughout Greece during August (panigyria), with music, dancing, food and wine taking the lead.

In the middle of the month, the biggest religious celebration is held in honor of the Mother of Christ. Almost half of Greece celebrates, as many people have names derived from the Virgin Mary or from her various names and nicknames.

Summer Wines

The changes in weather throughout the year directly affect our corresponding wine choices. In any case, the human body has different needs in each season, requiring more calories at certain times and, accordingly, fewer calories through the food we choose.

In summer, we need a diet even richer in vegetables and fruits, with fewer calories and, at the same time, greater resistance to the heat.

Wine, on the other hand, is completely linked to flavor combinations, and therefore its choice is directly connected to each season of the year. Thus, in summer, high temperatures require the search for cool white and rosé wines that can be enjoyed as an aperitif, as well as others that can perfectly accompany our lunch or dinner without weighing it down.

Sparkling wines, of course, have their place in summer. They pleasantly accompany our evening outings and, depending on whether they are dry or sweet, they can accompany refreshing green salads, risotto, vegetable-based appetizers, light cheeses and shellfish. Sweet sparkling wines can perfectly accompany fruit or a cheese and fruit platter.

Both dry and sweet sparkling wines can also be part of wonderful cocktails or simply enjoyed by the glass on their own.

Still white wines (non-sparkling) are also in great demand during the summer due to their refreshing nature. Again, however, the choice is made based on the corresponding ambient temperature. Light white wines, as well as those with pleasant, refreshing acidity, attract the most attention. They pair very well with salads, appetizers, pasta, risotto and light fillets.

Rosé still wines have stolen the show in recent years, thanks to the incredible combination of aromas, freshness and pleasant taste they offer. They can accompany almost anything, while at the same time they are excellent companions to baked or grilled foods, refreshing us pleasantly.

As for red wines, in summer we prefer easy-drinking wines with pleasant acidity, soft or fine tannins and a pleasant aroma. They accompany our lunch or dinner perfectly, adding that special touch needed to elevate the taste without raising the body temperature.

Enjoy!