Assyrtiko Santorini PDO

ASSYRTIKO, SANTORINI P.D.O.

 

Santorini belongs to the Cyclades Islands. Apart from being amongst the top destinations in the world, Santorini has a unique terroir that is acclaimed worldwide. The volcanic, porous soil, the long hours of sunshine, the lack of rainfalls throughout the year, the sea mist and the strong winds during summer, the traditional “kouloura” (basket shape) training system, the 3.000 years old, low-yield, self-rooted, poor in organic matter vineyard which has never been affected by phylloxera, all these elements in combination with one of the noblest white grape varieties in the Mediterranean, the indigenous Assyrtiko, create rare, precious and unique wines.       

 

Assyrtiko is the noblest white grape variety of Greece producing dry white Santorini P.D.O. wines with unique personality and powerful character: full-bodied with good structure, crisp acidity, distinctive minerality and subtle aromatic intensity. They are Greece’s most age worthy whites and must be enjoyed with food. A sea bass or even a lamb stewed in lemon sauce are ideal choices for a bottle of Assyrtiko. A special feature to note is that although Assyrtiko produces white wines, they have a red wine’s character!    

 

Santorini’s key points

Climate: Typical Mediterranean climate. Relatively warm winters with lower temperatures around 8-10oC followed by warm, windy and dry summers. The surrounding Aegean Sea acts as a “climatic buffer” that softens climate (no extremes) and reduces vintage variation. 

 

Soil: Light, porous, volcanic soil (pumice) with no organic matter and no clay. Because of its sandy constitution (0% clay) this soil is – and will remain forever – phylloxera free.

 

Assyrtiko’s key points

– Grown predominantly on Santorini island (Santorini P.D.O.) but has well adapted to mainland Greece. On Santorini, it produces wines with a “mineral”/acid/structure character, whereas on the mainland it has a more pronounced fruitiness.

– Maintains high acidity at ripeness and a high phenolic content.

– Covers some 70% of the total Santorini vineyard area (900 ha) on infertile volcanic soil, and produces even less than 20 hl/ha.

– It is vigorous and productive vine that matures around mid-August.