White Greek wine grape indigenous to the island of Santorini is called Assyrtiko or Asyrtiko Wine. It is extensively planted in the volcanic-ash soil of Santorini and on other Aegean islands. Assyrtiko is also found in other scattered regions like the Chalkidiki of Greece.
Widely grown in the arid regions of Greece, Assyrtiko has a strong citrus flavour of lemons. Assyrtiko, coming from Santorini, also bears a seaweed-saline character. It is also found to develop orange blossom and peach flavours when grown on the mainland.
Most famously grown on the volcanic island of Santorini in the Aegean sea, Assyrtiko is arguably Greece’s most iconic and versatile wine grape variety.
From fresh, minerally white wines to rich, nutty dessert wines known as Vinsanto, wines in this region are made in many styles. Assyrtiko is also occasionally seen in Retsina and is also found to be planted as far north as Drama in Greek Macedonia.
Advanced Age of Wines
The wines of Santorini are some of the oldest wines in Greece and can reach an age of 70 years. Assyrtiko can make some very complex wines since the advanced age of wines tends to affect the quality of wine as yields are reduced.
Unlike most of Europe, the spread of phylloxera has largely been prevented due to the harsh volcanic soils of the island’s vineyards. Moreover, the vines do not need to be grafted onto phylloxera-resistant rootstocks. The Santorini terroir offers up some challenges that have significantly affected wine growing.
The Soil & The Region
The Santorini region on the Köppen climate scale is dry enough to be classified as a desert. It is also very windy here. Vine growers have adapted to these conditions by training their vines into “baskets.” They provide shelter from strong winds by winding the canes into walls around the fruit. The growers also space vines further apart because of the lack of water in the soil.
A peculiar feature of Assyrtiko is that it is very susceptible to oxidation. Santorini winemakers positively exploit this aspect in the making of sweet Vinsanto wines. Wine producers utilize this fact to create darker wines with fig, kirsch, chocolate, and coffee characteristics.
Versatile Variety of Grapes
Assyrtiko is an extremely versatile variety of grapes. With mineral, pear, apple and citrus blossom aromas and flavours, it can also be made into a dry wine that is yellow-gold in colour. Quite a few versions of the wine are fermented in barrels. Assyrtiko wines are naturally high on acidity and therefore can be aged for many years.
Often blended with the Athiri and Aidani grape varieties on its native Santorini, Assyrtiko wine comes in sweet and dry styles. However, these are usually only minor components of the blend, which are lower in acidity than their famous stablemate. They help tame some of Assyrtico’s natural vitality.
Assyrtiko wines are also being crafted in a Retsina blend. But this trend appears to be falling from favour. More varietal Assyrtiko wines are now being made. Vines are being propagated from cuttings from Argyros Estate on Santorini into other countries like Australia and elsewhere.
Food Matches for Assyrtiko Wine
- Rock oysters with white-wine vinaigrette
- Korean pancakes with shellfish
- Fried halloumi cheese
Created in 1672 BC by an explosion that changed the world’s climate, the recent Greek wine revival is almost single-handedly down to the popularity of Assyrtiko wines made on the volcanic island of Santorini.
Laying the Ground for Assyrtiko Vines
The unique soil composition of Santorini has made it one of the most individual regional styles of any wine region on the planet earth. Many pressures are being put on the Santorini wine industry. Including burgeoning tourism and outside winemakers.
Your first views of the Caldera, the half-moon shaped volcanic depression which outlines what remains of Santorini and neighbouring Thalassa, are captivating. A few miles away from the Caldera, the remains of the ancient Minoan city of Akrotiri helps you realize quite how dramatic the explosion was.
Akrotiri city in the southern Mediterranean was destroyed in 1672 BC in what scientists say was one of the most devastating explosions in human history. It is hard not to wonder at the history and geological evolution that made them so unique and sought after as you taste the wines grown in this famous volcanic soil.
Greek wine is Santorini, and without a shadow of a doubt in the top five, Assyrtiko wine stands out right now.
