2023 Santo Wines 1911 Santorini Assyrtiko

Responsibly Farmed
Hidden Gem
Classic in Style
Geeky

This bone-dry Assyrtiko from Santorini is a true benchmark of the variety, bursting with citrusy brightness, sea-breeze freshness, and the classic volcanic minerality. Crisp acidity and subtle floral notes frame a palate of lemon zest, peach, and a whisper of honey. Grown in the island’s arid, low-yielding volcanic soils, it delivers a smoky, textural finish that’s both salty and endlessly food-friendly. A vibrant, high-energy white with unmistakable island character.

*This is Alyssa’s top summer pick!*

60-80 year old un-grafted vines, organic and sustainable practices, suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

White
  • Tasting Notes lemon, lime, peach, honeysuckle, beeswax, saline, flint, stony minerality
  • Variety Assyrtiko
  • Region Greece, Santorini
  • Volume 750 mL
  • Alcohol Volume 13%
  • Table Talk On the back label of the wine, the basic info of the wine is also written in Braille system.

$35.00

In stock

The Union of Santorini Cooperatives – Santo Wines was founded in its initial form in 1911, as “Santorini Vine & Wine Protection Fund”. Today, it consists of the largest organization of the island representing all the cultivators and counting 1.200 active members. Santo Wines is committed to safeguarding the local traditional cultivations, producing highest quality Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) Santorini wines and food products as well as promoting sustainable agriculture development. The traditional cultivations of the farmers-members of our cooperative, guarantee the authenticity and the premium quality of Santo products.

Fair Trade: The Union of Santorini Cooperatives was founded with the main purpose to protect the interests of the island’s farmers. This aim remains until today. All its business activity is based on transparency and respect, contributes in many ways to the economic development of local community and ensures sustainable agricultural development in Santorini, offering better conditions of trade and safeguarding the rights of producers and workers.

Santo Wines’ R&D invests in the ongoing development of cultivation and vinification techniques, while aiming at the preservation of the biodiversity through the operation of a nursery of autochthonous varieties, a solid base for study and trial cultivation of local grapes.

Organic Vineyard: Santo Wines maintains a privately owned Organic Vineyard of 0,2 ha from which the single-variety Organic wines Aidani, Athiri and Mavrotragano are produced.

Volcanic Soil

As a result of one of the greatest volcanic eruptions of all time, Santorini’s strong agricultural tradition is rooted in its soil which has a unique texture and includes lava, volcanic ash and pumice stone. This special composition yields products of distinctive profile and works as a natural shield from diseases. The vineyard in Santorini is self-rooted as it was never affected by phylloxera, and is one of the most ancient in the world with a 3,500-year history.

Dry Farming

Plants on Santorini are not irrigated artificially and rainfall is rare on the island. Therefore, the watering comes from the natural humidity and the sea mist which is absorbed by the volcanic soil, providing the necessary hydration. This method, known as dry farming, results in a low-yield production that creates unique, flavorful and concentrated fava, tomatoes and grapes.

Manual work

From sowing and pruning to harvesting, all of the work in the fields is done by hand. In areas of severe slope, the farmers have created terraces, built with lava stones, known as “pezoules” in order to provide easier access to the vineyards, to facilitate the cultivation and to maximize their capacity to absorb rain water. In the vineyards, the vintners have invented a distinct way of training the vines, called “kouloura”. The vines are kept close to the ground and are given a spiral, basket shape that anchors the grapes and protects them from the strong winds. The vineyard of Santorini,.