Thimiopoulos vineyard—Assyrtiko vines
Athenee Importers
The Greek wine varietal Assyrtiko can be produced in a range of styles, from full-bodied to crisp and light, but two things remain constant about every expression of this wine—bright acidity and a mouth-watering freshness. Those two elements make it a fantastic wine to sip all day poolside or serve at dinner with lobster in a cream sauce. Sofia Perpera head of marketing and promotion for the Greek Wine Federation explains that Assyrtiko, which is a varietal native to the Greek island of Santorini, can do many things. “It has evolved over the last 4000 years in the most hostile and extreme growing conditions,” says Perpera, “In warm conditions with little rainfall, Assyrtiko has developed the unique ability to retain high levels of sugar while also maintaining amazing acidity. Producers are now planting it throughout Greece and in other parts of the world with great results.” Indeed, the possibilities are rather endless according to Leto Paraskevopoulou, chief winemaker at Gai’a Winery in Santorini. She argues that Assyrtiko is more than just the ultimate summer wine, “it is in fact the perfect summer wine. Also the perfect winter, fall and spring wine. This is such a versatile variety that it all really just depends on what one is looking for.” Here’s a guide to get you started:
SANTORINI , June 17, 2020 — A waiter pours a glass of Assyrtiko wine on Santorini island, Greece,
Xinhua News Agency/Getty Images
Gai’a Assyrtiko Wild Ferment, 2022 Made with fruit harvested from 70 -80 year-old vines and aged in a mix of stainless steel tanks, Acacia, French barrique, and American barrique. The wild yeast fermentation enhances the varietal’s characteristics—giving this one a minerally palate of ripe apple, spiced honey and a splash of salinity. Buy two bottles and save one as the winemaker suggests keeping the wine for 2-3 years under proper cellar conditions which allows Its mineral dimension will subside while the fruity and honey flavors will envelop its body. And, if you drink now, decant at least 30 minutes prior to drinking. $49.99
Domaine Sigalas Assyrtiko Santorini 2023: Made from ungrafted vines gown in the volcanic soils of Santorini, this expression oozes complex tropicality—tempered by a savory, saline-laced acidity. $48.99
Estate Argyros Atlantis White 2022: Argyros Estate winery makes this white blend from 90% Assyrtiko, 5% Athiri and 5% Aidani…it’s a marvelous poolside sipper with delicate peach and citrus notes. $26.99
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Thymiopoulos Atma Assyrtiko 2023: The fruit for this wine is grown in Naoussa in northern Greece in the prefecture of Imathiaa. The Thymiopoulos family adheres to biodynamic and sustainable winemaking. This particular style of Assyrtiko remains zesty and fresh with a lighter-bodied structure. Lower in alcohol at 12.5%, it stands up nicely to daytime consumption—perfect with a shrimp salad dish served beachside. $19.99
Markou Vineyards Theros Assyrtiko 2022: Cultivated in Attica region (which encompasses the area around Athens, Greece), this expression is fermented in a combination of clay amphorae and stainless steel. The flavors are more tropical, richer and rounder but the essential minerally/savory edges are still there. Truly delicious—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 three 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 Estate Kallisto Assyrtiko, 2022: Mercouri is a family-run winery located in Greece’s Peloponnese region—near the site of Ancient Olympia. This lovely expression shows notes of ripe pear and lemon cream. Nice texture on the palate followed by a lingering freshness on the finish. $22.99
Harlaftis Malagouzia & Assyrtiko, 2022: Cultivated in the Peloponnese region, this blend of 50% Malagouzia and 50% Assyrtiko brings a palate of fresh-cut Gala apple, citrus and a thread of salinity. A balanced, juicy option perfect for any seafood dish. $18.99