Assyrtiko - Santorini's Premium White Wine

Most people have not heard of Assyrtiko varietal. It is a rare grape and native to Santorini, Greece but gaining in popularity. The island is made up of dark volcanic rock, which contributes to the mineral flavors of the wine. The island of Santorini is extremely windy, hot and dry, arid climatic conditions. The vines are trained in a spiral formation, birds nest looking form called Kouloura. The shape protects the grapes from the winds as well as the arid, hot island sun. Hand harvesting, dry farming (which means the water comes from the natural humidity and the sea mist which is absorbed by the volcanic soil, providing the necessary hydration) and low yields. These vines are approximately 40 to 60 years old. They are grown at an altitude of about 400 meters. The lower yielding vines, climate and altitude contribute to both complexity, acidity and richness of the grape.

SantoWines was founded in 1947 as part of the Union of Santorini Cooperatives. It is located in the village of Pyrgos in the Santorini PDO. Through modern winemaking techniques with a strong commitment to the sustainable development of the Santorini vineyard as well as to maintaining the longstanding viticultural and winemaking traditions. SantoWines has also been instrumental in continuing the cultivation of other traditional artisanal agricultural products native to the island. SantoWines R&D invests in the ongoing development of vinification techniques, biodiversity and preservation of and research into indigenous varieties. The grapes spend approximately 6 hours in contact with the skin at a low temperature 5-6˚C. The grapes are pressed gently with a pneumatic press to ensure the aromatics are protected. The must is then fermented at cool temperature of 16-17˚C in stainless steel tanks.

The wines are generally full bodied, high alcohol which balances the extremely high, crisp acidity. This particular Assyrtikoi wine from Santo Wines 2018 Assyrtiko is 100% Assyrtiko, a classic example of the varietal. A vibrant, aromatic wine full of minerality and citrus fruits, peach with honey notes. The wine is bone-dry, bright acidity with flavors of lime, passion fruit, lemon, beeswax, flint, saline, minerals.

Pair with shellfish, grilled octopus, fried calamari, grilled fish or the classic Greek oregano, tomato-feta salad. This wine is very food friendly and versatile.

Kouloura vine