Winemaker Notes
The citrus aromas of the Assyrtiko grapes combined with the floral aromas of the acacia wood and the vanilla of the oak result to a wine with a highly complex aromatic profile. Minerality and well-balanced acidity give depth and longevity. This white wine will continue to evolve for 2-5 years, as the mineral notes soften the palate will develop more nuanced flavors of fruit and honey.
A classic pairing for seafood, fatty fish, as well as poultry and even lamb.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The Gai'a 2022 Santorini Assyrtiko Wild Ferment goes into steel tank (45%), a combination of acacia, French and American barrel (45%) and 10% amphorae. In terms of the oak, 50% is new wood. It is fermented with wild yeasts, and there has been a lot of discussion concerning how the acidic (low pH) Assyrtiko grape adopts to spontaneous fermentations (even the bad strains tend to behave well). This father and daughter winemaking team goes to great lengths to get it right (they do not do spontaneous fermentations at their Nemea property). This wine shows depth and salinity, and the oak is very nicely integrated with a distant hint of spice, aniseed and toasted almond. This wine has been produced since 2008.
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Wine Spectator
Reveals baked melon, Marcona almond, pastry cream and lime blossom flavors that exude a toasty edge -- a rich profile defined by and deftly knit to firm, focused acidity. Medium-bodied and creamy, with an underlying streak of minerally smoke and saline pushing through to linger on the finish.
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Wine Enthusiast
Pair this elegant Assyrtiko with everything from grilled fish to roast chicken to your morning omelet (no judgment). Its tart lime and lemon flavors are complemented by minerally notes and a very long, citrus-forward finish.
A crisp white variety full of zippy acidity, Assyrtiko comes from the volcanic Greek island of Santorini but is grown increasingly wide throughout the country today. Assyrtiko’s popularity isn’t hard to explain: it retains its acid and mineral profile in a hot climate, stands alone or blends well with other grapes and can also withstand some age. Somm Secret—On the fairly barren, windswept Mediterranean island of Santorini, Assyrtiko vines must be cultivated in low baskets, pinned to the ground. The shape serves to preserve moisture and protect the growing grapes in its interior.
