Assyrtiko

Assyrtiko is a white grape variety indigenous to the enchanting island of Santorini, Greece. However, its popularity has seen it planted throughout the entirety of Greece and beyond, with Australia now representing a prominent New World expression of the varietal. A grape inherent with distinctness, Assyrtiko is revered for its ability to retain high levels of acidity despite being cultivated in a typically hot environment.

The grape produces wines renowned for their full-bodied and rich layered textures, often exhibiting mineral, lemon, and stony flavour profiles. The wines have a remarkable ability to age and can develop flavours ranging from smoky and flinty, through to slightly briny with hints of crushed seashells. Assyrtiko is compellingly versatile and can be fermented in various styles including dry, sweet and sparkling, each eliciting varied tasting notes but all reflecting its natural high acid backbone.

Unusually for many grape varieties, Assyrtiko vines tend to perform better in volcanic soils rather than the usual preferred limestone or clay. The vines are often grown in low-to-the-ground circular basket formations to protect them from the high winds common in the Aegean Sea region.

Assyrtiko is now globally appreciated, not just for its unique winemaking potential, but also its resilience to external factors. It exhibits enviable resistance to many vine diseases, including most viticulturist's nemesis: Phylloxera. This tiny insect caused devastation amongst vineyards throughout the 19th century, but Assyrtiko vines evaded disaster due to the nutrient-poor volcanic soil in which they flourish.

In summary, Assyrtiko is a grape that not only stands out taste-wise, but also due to the unique environmental conditions in which it thrives. This Greek gem is undeniably special, providing wine enthusiasts with a truly distinctive wine puzzle to decipher.

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