The Greek wine varietal Assyrtiko will be produced in a spread of types, from full-bodied to crisp and lightweight, however two issues stay fixed about each expression of this wine—shiny acidity and a mouth-watering freshness. These two components make it a implausible wine to sip all day poolside or serve at dinner with lobster in a cream sauce. Sofia Perpera head of selling 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 advanced 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 skill to retain excessive ranges of sugar whereas additionally sustaining wonderful acidity. Producers are actually planting it all through Greece and in different elements of the world with nice outcomes.” Certainly, the probabilities are quite infinite in accordance with Leto Paraskevopoulou, chief winemaker at Gai’a Vineyard in Santorini. She argues that Assyrtiko is extra than simply the last word summer time wine, “it’s in truth the proper summer time wine. Additionally the proper winter, fall and spring wine. That is such a flexible selection that all of it actually simply is determined by what one is on the lookout for.” 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 protecting the wine for 2-3 years below correct cellar situations which permits Its mineral dimension will subside whereas the fruity and honey flavors will envelop its physique. And, should you drink now, decant at the very least half-hour previous to ingesting. $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 wonderful poolside sipper with delicate peach and citrus notes. $26.99
Thymiopoulos Atma Assyrtiko 2023: The fruit for this wine is grown in Naoussa in northern Greece within the prefecture of Imathiaa. The Thymiopoulos household adheres to biodynamic and sustainable winemaking. This explicit fashion of Assyrtiko stays zesty and recent with a lighter-bodied construction. Decrease in alcohol at 12.5%, it stands up properly to daytime consumption—good 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 mix of clay amphorae and stainless-steel. The flavors are extra tropical, richer and rounder however the important minerally/savory edges are nonetheless there. Actually 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 situated in Greece’s Peloponnese area—close to the positioning of Historic 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 good for any seafood dish. $18.99