The Greek wine varietal Assyrtiko could be produced in a variety of types, from full-bodied to crisp and lightweight, however two issues stay fixed about each expression of this wine—brilliant acidity and a mouth-watering freshness. These two components make it a unbelievable wine to sip all day poolside or serve at dinner with lobster in a cream sauce. Sofia Perpera head of promoting and promotion for the Greek Wine Federation explains that Assyrtiko, which is a varietal native to the Greek island of Santorini, can do many issues. “It has developed over the past 4000 years in probably the most hostile and excessive rising situations,” says Perpera, “In heat situations with little rainfall, Assyrtiko has developed the distinctive potential to retain excessive ranges of sugar whereas additionally sustaining wonderful acidity. Producers are actually planting it all through Greece and in different components of the world with nice outcomes.” Certainly, the chances are slightly countless in response to Leto Paraskevopoulou, chief winemaker at Gai’a Vineyard in Santorini. He argues that Assyrtiko is extra than simply the last word summer time wine, “it’s in reality the right summer time wine. Additionally the right winter, fall and spring wine. That is such a flexible selection that all of it actually simply depends upon what one is in search of.” Right here’s a information to get you began:
Gai’a Assyrtiko Wild Ferment, 2022 Made with fruit harvested from 70 -80 year-old vines and aged in a mixture of stainless-steel tanks, Acacia, French barrique, and American barrique. The wild yeast fermentation enhances the varietal’s traits—giving this one a minerally palate of ripe apple, spiced honey and a splash of salinity. Purchase two bottles and save one because the winemaker suggests holding the wine for 2-3 years underneath correct cellar situations which permits Its mineral dimension will subside whereas the fruity and honey flavors will envelop its physique. And, for those who drink now, decant no less than half-hour previous to consuming. $49.99
Domaine Sigalas Assyrtiko Santorini 2023: Created from ungrafted vines robe within the volcanic soils of Santorini, this expression oozes complicated tropicality—tempered by a savory, saline-laced acidity. $48.99
Property Argyros Atlantis White 2022: Argyros Property vineyard makes this white mix from 90% Assyrtiko, 5% Athiri and 5% Aidani…it’s a fabulous poolside sipper with delicate peach and citrus notes. $26.99
Thymiopoulos Atma Assyrtiko 2023: Grown in Naoussa, a area that sits within the Valley of the Muses, not removed from Delphi, the Thymiopoulos household adheres to biodynamic and sustainable winemaking. This explicit type of Assyrtiko stays zesty and contemporary with a lighter-bodied construction. Decrease in alcohol at 12.5%, it stands up properly to daytime consumption—excellent with a shrimp salad dish served beachside. $19.99
Markou Vineyards Theros Assyrtiko 2022: Cultivated in Attica area (which encompasses the world round Athens, Greece), this expression is fermented in a mixture of clay amphorae and stainless-steel. The flavors are extra tropical, richer and rounder however the important minerally/savory edges are nonetheless there. Really scrumptious—and a bronze medalist from the Decanter World Wine Awards. $36.99
Alexakis Assyrtiko 2023: Grown in high-elevation vineyards on the island of Crete, this wine is aged sur lie for 3 months—imparting a richer, silkier mouthfeel over the wine’s naturally vibrant acidity. Supple and savory with a thread of salinity and tropical ripe peach and apricot notes. $17.99
Mercouri Property Kallisto Assyrtiko, 2022: Mercouri is a family-run vineyard positioned in Greece’s Peloponnese area—close to the location of Historical Olympia. This beautiful expression exhibits notes of ripe pear and lemon cream. Good texture on the palate adopted by a lingering freshness on the end. $22.99
Harlaftis Malagouzia & Assyrtiko, 2022: Cultivated within the Peloponnese area, this mix of fifty% Malagouzia and 50% Assyrtiko brings a palate of fresh-cut Gala apple, citrus and a thread of salinity. A balanced, juicy possibility excellent for any seafood dish. $18.99