Assyrtiko – Santorini
Assyrtiko-Santorini wines are rare and distinctive. These wines are born from the indigenous Assyrtiko grape, cultivated in some of the world’s oldest vineyards, dating back 3.500 years, on the volcanic island of Santorini.
Assyrtiko-Santorini world class still dry whites can be drunk young or aged, as they are precious, truly ageworthy wines; the ideal complement to haute cuisine, fish, seafood and, surprisingly, even meat dishes. These terroir driven wines of distinct character are structured on exciting minerality and savorous density. They both reflect the unique volcanic and anhydrous soil of Santorini, which is an internationally acclaimed “pedigree”.
Assyrtiko-Santorini is one of Greece’s most fascinating and unique indigenous grape varieties. When tasted blind, dry wines from Assyrtiko-Santorini (PDO Santorini) are almost always said to come from a northerly climate. Yet its birthplace and favorite haunt is Santorini, a unique island of breathtaking beauty in the middle of the Aegean sea.
Assyrtiko-Santorini does not at all have the usual profile of other hot climate varieties. It produces a dry white wine of distinctive character and great minerality, pleasant to drink young, but also very ageworthy. Most wines are unoaked, though some very good examples of oaked Assyrtiko are made and boast the same great ageing potential.
Very old vines, along with poor soils, hydric stress and strong winds, explain the extremely low yields of Assyrtiko-Santorini as well as the dense structure and the opulency of its wines.
This rare, ancient grape, Assyrtiko-Santorini produces a world class wine that invites you to discover the unique volcanic terroir of Santorini.
There is nothing quite like tasting Assyrtiko-Santorini while looking out onto the Caldera and watching the sun melt into the Aegean Sea. Even better, it should be experienced at one of the islands top restaurants: Assyrtiko-Santorini definitely makes wines that truly shine at the table, and have wonderful synergy with the local Mediterranean cuisine.
Santorini enjoys an ideal Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm, dry summers. Rainfall is very low, and the little rain that falls on Santorini falls mostly in the winter. However, the porous soils of the island help retain humidity from dew, rainfall, and moisture from the sea, ensuring an adequate water supply for the vines during the growing season. As a result, Santorini’s unique ecosystem is a harmonious climate for its native grape, Assyrtiko. The grape has perfectly adapted to the local conditions and remains hearty during the warm, dry summers of Santorini.
The summer heat is made bearable by strong winds and cool sea breezes.
The winds are also very beneficial in keeping typical vineyard scourges at bay. The constant circulation of air wards off rot and disease – keeping the vines healthy and protected. As a result, the winds, in combination with the low rainfall and volcanic soils, contribute to Santorini’s unique ecosystem.
The extremely low yields of Assyrtiko-Santorini high quality wines are a natural result of the old vines, the volcanic soils, the hydric stress and the strong winds of Santorini’s unique ecosystem. They all contribute to the concentration and the richness of its wines.
Panagiotis Inglesis is the co-owner and General manager of Athina Luxury Suites, along with his wife Mrs.Artemis Argyrou. Together they had a vision to create one of the best boutique hotels in Santorini and today they continue their vision…Athina Luxury Suites is considered one of the top hotels on the island.