Argyros, Assyrtiko Estate Santorini 2022

92 points Decanter
"A high energy wine with brilliant mineral layers, racy lemony acid, texture and long finish. Sourced from 70-year-old vines from Santorini's largest vineyard owner. Vinified in stainless steel with 4 months on lees and regular battonage."

Jancis Robinson
"Deep straw. This has such class. Intense combo of fruit and minerals infused with the Aegean Sea and volcanic rock. Yes! 18/20 points."

Forbes
“The wine features a distinct wet stone minerality, accompanied by green fruit notes of apple and pear, along with flavors of lemon and some dried floral and herbal elements. The finish is medium length, featuring citrus and green fruit notes and a hint of bitterness on the end.”

Vinous Reverie Notes
Founded in 1903, the Argyros Estate is located on the island of Santorini, famed for its spiraling vines and white washed churches. In 1950, the Argyros vineyards were passed down to the founder’s son, who tripled the estate from 5 to 15 acres. Yiannis Argyros, the third-generation owner of the estate who took over in 1974, began looking beyond the local market for his wines. Today, Matthew Argyros, the fourth generation of family winemakers, continues his father's legacy by making legendary wines from Assyrtiko and other indigenous Santorinian varietals, using traditional techniques. The estate vineyards are located primarily in Episkopi and Pyrgos, which are prime locations for Assyrtiko. The ungrafted vines range in age from 30 to over 150 years, and are trained into basket-shaped bowls, a traditional technique called "kouloura". The inorganic soil of the island of Santorini is naturally immune to Phylloxera and many other vineyard pests, reducing the need for synthetic herbicides & pesticides. Estate Argyros practices sustainable viticulture, using composted grape must as fertilizer, and plowing the vineyards with mules. The grapes used for Estate Argyros Assyrtiko are harvested from the oldest parcels of the estate. Located in Episkopi, the average age of the vines is 150+ years old, with some vines over 3 centuries old. Yields are extremely low. The ungrafted vines are basket pruned, and dry farmed. Grapes are hand-picked in August. Tasting Notes: Assyrtiko is known for its relatively high natural acidity. This wine is true to character, with flavors of citrus, lemongrass and stone fruit. It is medium-bodied and elegant with great finesse. Food Pairing: Pair this Assyrtiko with fatty fish, oysters, poultry, pork and smoked cheeses.