Assyrtiko Information
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Assyrtiko is a white wine grape varietal, originating from and growing almost exclusively inside Greece. More specifically, it comes from the mythical volcanic island of Santorini in the Aegean Sea, where it thrives in the harsh, arid climate. Wine growers here often twist the vines into basket-like shapes that don’t grow far from the ground, in order to protect the plants from strong, dry winds.
Assyrtiko has spread to the Greek mainland and further abroad. It is grown in very small amounts in Clare Valley in Australia, and can also be found in Lebanon and the USA.
This grape is known for being the only varietal in Europe that has immunity to the disease phylloxera. Assyrtiko is also resistant to other common issues affecting vines, such as mildew and drought. It is suspected, but not proven, that this immunity comes from the volcanic soils of Santorini. Assyrtiko can also be known as Atzala or spelt in a variety of different ways, including Asyrtiko, Asurtico or Arcytico.
Assyrtiko Tasting Notes
Assyrtiko is known for maintaining good levels of acidity, whether it is grown in warm or cool climates. Dry versions (which are more common), can be described as crisp, textural, light-bodied and well-structured. It generally ranges between 13.5-15% ABV, while dessert versions of Assyrtiko can go slightly higher, up to 16/17%.
Dry Santorini Assyrtiko wines are the most typical examples of Assyrtiko and are famed for their high minerality and crisp, saline notes. Outside of the island, they can become more fruit-focused, and show a less focused structure. The most common fruit flavors associated with the grape are citrus fruits, including orange blossoms and lemon, as well as pear, apple and occasionally tropical fruits. You may also discover some hints of jasmine, honeysuckle, and seashell.
Assyrtiko Styles
Assyrtiko is a versatile grape and can be used to make a few different styles. As we mentioned above, the most common style you’ll find is light-bodied and dry, generally with a light yellow color. However, on mainland Greece, Assyrtiko can also be made in slightly richer, oaked styles, with golden hues and more prominent white-fleshed fruits and honey flavors.
The most famous style outside of dry Assyrtiko is a dessert wine called Vinsanto, which shows a syrupy texture and lots of ripe and dried fruit flavors. In the region of Monemvasia-Malvasia, Assyrtiko is also used (in smaller percentages) for sweet blended wines.
Assyrtiko is also used as a blending grape. On Santorini, it is often blended with other indigenous Greek grapes such as Athiri, Aidani, Roditis or Savatiano (which are used in small percentages) to bring down the intensity of Assyrtiko slightly. Other occasional blending partners include Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Malagousia.
Assyrtiko Classifications
Assyrtiko wines can be found in several PDO regions, which is the top tier of Greece’s wine classification system. PDO Santorini is the best known, but the grape is also used in PDO Slopes of Meliton, PDO Rhodes, and PDO Handakas Candia. PDO Monemvasia-Malvasia is slightly different, utilizing the grape for sweet wines rather than the classic dry, crisp iteration.
Assyrtiko can also be found in PGI-level wines, which demarcate a slightly bigger area than PDO appellations. This classification was created to strengthen ideas of authenticity and locality in the wines of the country.
When To Drink Assyrtiko
Assyrtiko comes from a hot, humid climate, so it’s the ideal wine to enjoy on a hot day. Due to being relatively unpopular outside of Greece, it is also a great wine to buy for a sense of novelty or to introduce your friends to something new.
In terms of pairing, Assyrtiko is a fantastic wine to pair with vegetarian Greek food, like fried halloumi or feta cheese, a crisp salad, oysters, or a full seafood meal. Its ideal serving temperature is slightly chilled, at around Fahrenheit and Celsius 50-54 ºF (10-12ºC).
Best Years To Drink Assyrtiko
With its naturally high acidity, Assyrtiko is one of the most age-worthy white wines that you can buy. All styles (oaked or not) can be aged for about 5 years, and depending on how well-produced it is, an Assyrtiko can age for up to 10 years. They can develop some interesting tertiary characteristics too, growing in mineral notes and developing some hints of dry fruits and honey.
When it comes to Assyrtiko-based dessert wines like Vinsanto, things get truly impressive. Assyrtiko has a trick up its sleeve that most other grapes do not – it manages to maintain high levels of acidity, even when the grape completely dries out on the vine. High levels of acidity and sugar make wines like Vinsanto practically immortal. Much like the famous French dessert wine Sauternes, a well-made bottle of Vinsanto from Santorini can be enjoyed 40 or 50 years after bottling.
Assyrtiko Average Prices
Assyrtiko from Santorini tends to be slightly more expensive than its mainland counterparts, and a decent bottle averages at about $30. However, PGI Assyrtiko wines from the Grecian mainland will be slightly cheaper (between $15-25), and you don’t have to sacrifice quality.
If you want to buy an age-worthy Vinsanto though, be prepared to fork out. The most expensive Assyrtiko wine you can buy at the moment is a Vinsanto from Santorini that has been barrel aged for 20 years – and it’s approximately $190.
Fun Facts About Assyrtiko
Some Assyrtiko vines on Santorini are 70 years old, among the oldest in Greece.
One theory regarding Assyrtiko’s origins suggests that the grape comes from Assyria, an ancient land that encapsulates modern-day Armenia, Egypt and everything that lies between those two countries.
Assyrtiko can also be used to make Retsina, an unusual wine made by fermenting grapes with pine resin.
