Winemaker Notes
This wine is a classic benchmark of the variety and its homeland. A vibrant aromatic cocktail of sea-breeze freshness and citrus fruits, peach with honeyed undertones. Bone-dry, brightly acidic with a textural mineral smokiness and a food-begging finish.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
In a thick glass bottle, the Santo Wines 2023 Santorini Assyrtiko is very mineral in character with crushed oyster shell and ashy volcanic soil. The wine is quite solid and firm in terms of mouthfeel, and those mineral tones do create a sharp through line. In terms of fruit, there is discreet neutral honeydew melon, quince or pear. You get high quality from this cooperative winery with access to fruit from all over Santorini.
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.
