Assyrtiko is a Greek white grape variety grown on the volcanic Aegean island of Santorini, but also on mainland Greece in Macedonia and the Peloponnese. The wines, notably high in acidity, can be made in many styles: unoaked or oaked, often very dry, or, occasionally, sweet (known locally as Vinsanto). Some of the old vine plantings on Santorini remain ungrafted on their own pre-phylloxera rootsocks and produce some of the island's top quality dry white wines. Exceptionally mineral in character, these powerful wines have flavours of peach, apple and pear, with fragrant aromas of citrus blossom, making them the perfect accompaniment to most seafood and Greek-style salads. The dessert wines, which can receive many years of ageing, are concentrated with aromas and flavours of figs, coffee, cherry liqueur & chocolate. Perfect for sipping whilst watching the evening sunset on Santorini! Internationally, Assyrtiko is found in Australia (Clare Valley), South Africa (Stellenbosch), USA and, recently, in the south of France.
