Assyrtiko Grape

Assyrtiko is an indigenous Greek white grape variety, renowned for its ability to produce wines with pronounced minerality and crisp acidity. It is best known for wines from the volcanic island of Santorini, but is also grown elsewhere in Greece.

Assyrtiko wines are typically crisp, dry, and minerally, with aromas of citrus (such as lemon and lime) and flint. Sometimes, the wine has a salty edge, reminiscent of the proximity of the sea. In addition to dry white wines, it is also used to make sweet dessert wines, such as the nutty Vinsanto. Aging in oak can add depth and complexity. While the grape expresses its most intense characteristics on Santorini, it can also produce rounder, fruitier wines elsewhere in Greece, such as on the mainland or other Aegean islands.