Assyrtiko is a prestigious white grape variety from Greece famed for its role in the complex, mineral driven white wines of Santorini. It is gaining traction throughout Greece however and undoubtedly has a great future ahead of it.
Horia’s recent visit to the island of Santorini included a fascinating vertical of Domaine Sigalas’s flagship dry white, showing the Assyrtiko grape’s high potential to evolve and improve with age. It was a tasting full of surprises.
“Yellow flowers, white peach, and acacia honey entice on the nose, leading to a deep yet mellow palate of savory notes hinting at hay, toast, spice, and forest mushrooms. Trademark acidity and a touch of phenolic grip result in a well-balanced and structured Assyrtiko with a firm, pithy finish.”
“A classy nose of orange blossom and Meyer lemon meets distinctive minerality. A bright mix of citrus notes unfurls as it opens up on the palate. Bone-dry, clean, and purposeful, the finish concludes with a pretty hint of honeysuckle. Another year or two in the bottle will help it unwind and expand.”
“White flowers, oyster shells, and lemon zest on the nose lead to a rich, textured, full-bodied Assyrtiko dancing with acid and salinity from start to finish. Breadth and depth derive from 200-year-old vine material as well as 10 months in stainless steel on the fine lees. A long, rewarding finish ends with hints of dried yarrow and coriander. A stunning example of the enduring promise of Santorini.”
“Very aromatic with lemon and lime aromas. In the mouth it is rich, oily and intense, again bursting with citrus fruit but with typical Santorini freshness and salinity. The acidity is prominent and lends itself to pairing with seafood. Good wine from one of the island’s top producers.”
“Deep caramel in color, the expressive nose offers a basket of desert delights from honey, dates, nuts, and raisins. The dead giveaway Assyrtiko leads the blend is the beautiful bright throughline of taut acidity running from the sweet baking spice beginning to the sweeping, elegant finish. A brilliant reminder of why the world needs these traditional dessert wines.”
