Domaine Sigalas - Assyrtiko Santorini 2020

Domaine Sigalas - Assyrtiko Santorini 2020 (91/100 TSW)

On the Greek island of Santorini, Paris Sigalas makes this extraordinary white wine from the local Assyrtiko grape. A grape that grows on the poor, volcanic soils.

Variety: 100% Assyrtiko
Appellation: PDO Santorini
Vineyard: Selected vineyard blocks from Santorini island
Vinification: Typical white vinification in stainless steel tank under controlled temperature. Batonnage in stainless steel tanks for 3 months.

NL Import: @tsantosimportexport
BE Import: @adbibendum
Price range: €30,-

My tasting notes:

In the glass a medium citrus yellow color.
On the medium nose aromas of citrus, white peach and yellow plums with hints of herbs, honey and saltyness.
On the palate dry, medium bodied with medium(+) acidity and salty minerals. Flavours of peach, citrus and white pepper with a medium(+) length finish.

About the winery:

On the ancient plains of Oia, in the north of the island of Santorini, are the vineyards of Domaine Sigalas. This winery, headed by the spirited owner Paris Sigalas, was founded in 1991 and now produces 300,000 bottles annually.

Because of the sandy soil, fierce winds (called Meltemi) and scorching sun, a unique viticulture method has been used on Santorini for centuries. The vines are pruned and guided in the form of a wreath, so that they form a kind of nest or basket that lies on the ground, protected from the wind. Also, this method retains moisture longer, as rain is rare on Santorini. These vines are not grafted onto American rootstocks, as Santorini has never suffered from the phylloxera epidemic. Probably thanks to the sandy volcanic soil. Most of the vines are sixty years and older, some even a hundred years old. The yield is therefore very low, but the quality of the grapes is high.