Santorini

Santorini is a volcanic island south of Greece part of which that is thought to have been formed as recently as 1640 BC as a result of the same cataclysmic volcanic eruption that destroyed Minoan culture on the island of Crete. This is noteworthy, wine-wise, because the high levels of post-eruption sulfur found everywhere here almost ensure that ambient yeast fermentations will not succeed. As well, the low levels of potassium in the volcanic soil ensures that there is no issue with phylloxera on the island. The dominant grape here is Assyrtiko which makes steely vibrant whites with the potential to age. The traditional viticultural methods are ungrafted vines that tend to be planted in small, sheltered hollows and that get woven into a living basket or birds nest shape as the vines mature. This is to protect the grapes being grown inside the nest from a brisk and stinging wind carrying sand and salt that blows almost constantly over the island. Every seventy to eighty years, the basket is lopped off the vine's base and it starts to grow again on the same roots. It has been estimated that some of the Assyrtiko vine roots that have been regenerated like this may be several centuries old and possibly the oldest still-producing wine vines in the world.

Showing all 4 results

  • Gaia Assyrtiko Clay 2018

    This unique orange wine from Santorini was inspired by ancient experience, faith in nature and technical expertise. The Assyrtiko Clay gives voice to the ancient, ungrafted vines which are allowed to express themselves through traditional fermentation and aging techniques. Modern egg-shaped clay fermentation vessels take the place of the amphora historically used for this technique and the wine is shaped exclusively with indigenous yeasts.

    $58.95

  • Gaia Assyrtiko Thalassitis 2021

    This unique wine is produced on the island of Santorini. The vines are planted on a 15-degree slope facing East and Southeast on transferred pumice stone soil. The wine is made from the Assyrtiko grape and is light and aromatic. Only free run must is used, which is then fermented for approximately days at 15C. The resulting wine is almost white in color, bone-dry, with strong character, eliciting considerable structure, with crisp acidity, distinctive minerality and delicate honeysuckle aromas.

    $52.50
  • Gaia-Monograph-Assyrtiko

    Gaia Monograph Assyrtiko 2021

    The grapes for the Monograph Assyrtiko come from vineyards located in the semi-mountainous Koutsi region of Nemea. Unlike the bone-dry, volcanic soils of its native Santorini, the calcareous soils of mainland Greece impart an entirely different character to the varietal, giving it a wider range of exotic fruit flavors and aromas. This is a youthful, intensely fruity Assyrtiko, with a bouquet of honeysuckle and citrus fruit and a refreshing acidity on the palate.

    $24.95
  • Gaia-Notios-White

    Gaia Notios White 2022

    Notios White is a blendof the aromatic, floral scented Moschofilero (from the Arcadian Plateau) with the crisp, lemony Roditis (from elevated mountainous Aigialeia area) and Assyrtiko (from Santorini) which adds strength, length and depth. It has aromas of perfumed floral and white fruit as well as sweet citrus. It is a light, rounded wine with refreshing acidity.

    $21.50
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