WHAT WINE GOES WITH COD WITH GARLIC SAUCE (SKORDALIA)?

The day has arrived, the pans are on fire and the cods are desalting and getting ready for the classic and traditional dish of March 25, fried cod with garlic sauce (skordalia) ! But what do we drink with cod and garlic dip? This delicious dish is quite demanding in food and wine pairing as it has an oily character and intense temperament from the garlic sauce. You do not need to worry though because here at Botilia we always have the solution. Read below and you will see!

The classic choice - Retsina

If you belong to the traditional ones then Retsina is a classic and unmistakable choice. The aromas and complexity of the resin, along with the refreshing acidity, perfume the mouth in every sip and blend harmoniously with the intensity of the dish. I will suggest you try a very classic and mineral retsina, the Retsina by Aoton Winery. But if you're not really into the classics, then pour yourself a new-age and very fine retsina, like the Pitys Ritinitis from Troupi, a retsina made from Assyrtiko and aged in an amphora!

The innovative choice - Orange

If you like to experiment and go against the grain, then choosing an orange wine is practically a one-way street. Why? Because it has depth, volume and complexity that can happily stand next to this dish. Paros Amphora of Moraitis Winery has a particularly delicate character, and will become the ace up your sleeve! Also, the beloved Vigneron Grec by Papargyriou has that delicate yet powerful character needed to make cod croquettes with saffron aioli (for a more modern take on cod with garlic dip) shine!

The Magnificent Choice - Sparkling

Well, things are very simple in this case. Of course, I'm talking about either Champagne or a sparkling wine that is made by the classic method of Champagne. The reason for this is the lemony acidity that will play the role of the twist of lemon in the fish and the complex and autolytic character that will match with the crunchy breading. At the same time, the tickling bubbles will freshen the palate from the garlic and the oily character of the dish. I choose Extra Brut Cuvee Prestige Domaine Karanika.

The obvious choice - Assyrtiko

If you automatically think of Assyrtiko when you are hearing that you will have fish, you are not wrong. The sharp acidity of Assyrtiko, its concentration and structure can put up with beasts, especially if we are talking about Assyrtiko of Santorini. The Santorini 34 by Karamolegos has it all and is simply amazing. If you want to bet on an Assyrtiko outside of Santorini, then the Moschopolis 6, with its six-month barrel aging and a touch of Xinomavro, will stand proudly alongside any cod dish.

The hip choice - Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand

If at the sound of Retsina you feel nauseous and the austerity of Assyrtiko bothers you then a Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand like Sauvignon Blanc Te Muna from  Craggy Range, which has tropical fruit, refreshing acidity and herbal character, is the proposal that will excite you. This wine will go great with cod with garlic sauce especially if we are talking about a twisted version of the dish like the aromatic cod croquettes, with plenty of herbs.

Eva Markaki

Wine Geek