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๐ŸŽฒThe Wild Card

Nerina

Brooklyn Goes Full Greek, No Apologies

Greenpoint ยท Brooklyn ยท Greek ยท Visit Website โ†—

old-world-focushidden-gemdate-nightnatural-wine

Reviewed April 19, 2026

Wingman Metrics

List VarietySmall but Thoughtful
MarkupFair
GlasswareBasic Stemmed
StaffWilling but Green
Specials & DealsSet & Forget
Storage & TempAcceptable

First Impression

Nerina opened in early 2025 on Commercial Street in Greenpoint and the wine list reads like someone actually cared โ€” which, in Brooklyn's Greek restaurant landscape, is not a given. Eighty-plus bottles, almost entirely Greek, with a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence already in the pocket in its debut year. That's a statement.

Selection Deep Dive

This list is a committed tour of Greece and doesn't apologize for it. You've got Santorini Assyrtiko from Domaine Sigalas sitting alongside Gai'a's Thalassitis, Ktima Gerovassiliou's Malagousia from Epanomi, Alpha Estate's Xinomavro from Amyndeon, and Boutari's Naoussa โ€” a solid cross-section of the country's best indigenous grapes and serious producers. There's no obligatory Napa Cab thrown in to appease the nervous diner, which we respect enormously. The gap, if you're looking for one, is depth beyond Greece โ€” if you want Burgundy or Barolo with your lamb chops, you're at the wrong restaurant, and honestly that's fine.

By the Glass

Ten to sixteen pours by the glass in the $12โ€“$18 range, which is reasonable for Brooklyn in 2025. The Domaine Skouras Moschofilero is almost certainly on that list and it's a smart, food-friendly choice. Rotation isn't confirmed as active, but the program is new enough that freshness shouldn't be a concern yet.

๐Ÿ’ฐBest Value

Boutari Naoussa โ€” $45

Xinomavro-based red from northern Greece that drinks punchy and structured โ€” think Nebbiolo's edgier cousin. At the low end of their bottle range, it overdelivers against its price every time.

๐Ÿ’ŽHidden Gem

Ktima Gerovassiliou Malagousia

Most people skip past anything they can't pronounce. Don't. Malagousia is aromatic, textured, and completely singular โ€” floral and citrusy with a savory undercurrent that makes it one of Greece's most interesting white grapes. Gerovassiliou is the producer who essentially rescued the variety from extinction.

โ›”Skip This

Domaine Sigalas Assyrtiko

Not because it's bad โ€” it absolutely isn't โ€” but Sigalas Assyrtiko has become the Whispering Angel of Greek wine. It's the safe, recognizable order and you'll pay a premium for the name recognition. The Gai'a Thalassitis is the same grape, same island, and makes a stronger case for your money.

๐Ÿฝ๏ธPerfect Pairing

Gai'a Wines Thalassitis + Grilled Octopus

Thalassitis is pure Santorini Assyrtiko โ€” volcanic, briny, high acid, built for the sea. Grilled octopus brings char and ocean salinity right back at it. They don't complement each other so much as complete each other.

๐ŸŽฒ The Bottom Line

Nerina is doing something genuinely rare in New York: building a focused, serious Greek wine program in a neighborhood that could coast on vibes alone. If you've ever wanted a guided tour of Greek wine without booking a flight to Athens, this is your table.

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