ARGYROS SANTORINI ASSYRTIKO 2018

It is a dry white wine made by the variety of Assyrtiko 100%, cultivated in the private vineyard located in Episkopi Gonia. The sedulous selection of grapes from a 50-60 years old vineyard and the vinification, result to a fine dry white wine with a strong personality.

A super fine and minerally white from the Greek Island of Santorini. Argyros date back to 1903, but are now outstanding leaders in the Greek wine revival. This mid-level wine is not from their oldest vines, merely from a vineyard up 100 years old! The island's traditional basket-training (to protect against harsh sun and wind) along with dry conditions and inorganic soils allow these heroic vines to remain pest free and on their original rootstocks. With deep lemony freshness and bright, piercing minerality, this is a unique and stylish white for aperitif or fish dinners.

Winery notes (2018 Vintage)
"Estate Argyros is a single varietal wine from our heritage grape. 80% ferments separately in stainless steel vats, while the other 20% ferments and ages for 6 months in French oak barrels. The discrete touch of the wood, highlights the earthy characteristics of the Assyrtiko grape. Yellow in color, with delicate aromas of citrus fruits and minerals. Full body, balanced acidity and long aftertaste."

Reviews for the 2016 vintage below…

91/100 Mark Squires, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate (2016 Vintage)
"The 2016 Assyrtiko is the screwcapped version, not the upper-level Estate Santorini that has some oak. As with last year's comparison of the Atlantis blend and this "regular" Assyrtiko, the difference here is less in concentration (although it has just a little more) than in a bit more steel and a juicier, tighter finish. This year, too, it adds gloriously fresh fruit, finishing with waves of up-front flavour that not all Assyrtiko delivers. This walks down the middle of the road, showing precision and focus, but it also has a fruitier demeanor than the upper level usually produces. It's a nice compromise. It should make people swoon while it is young and fresh. I am a little less sure of what becomes of it as it ages, but it will hold reasonably well, too. — One of the producers on the island that always maintains good balance and finesse, Argyros is a favourite of mine for exactly those reasons. The wines never hit you over the head. They always do well and make you want to drink them. This issue features the blend and the regular Assyrtiko. Both are screwcapped. Drink 2017 – 2022."

17/20 JancisRobinson.com (2016 Vintage)
"Smoky, mineral and almost sour on the nose. Bone-dry, tangy with both citrus and a firm stony character. Really impressive intensity formed out of rich fruit and high acidity. Drink 2017 – 2020."