Assyrtiko

Region: Greece

Grape variety: Assyrtiko

Background: Argyros Estate was established in 1903 and is now run by Matthew Argyros, the fourth generation of the family to do so although the family has been involved in grape growing on Santorini for 200 years.

Tasting notes: Complex and concentrated wine with mineral backbone, smoky notes and a saline, citrus finish.

Environmentally-Friendly

VEGETARIAN

VEGAN

Region: Greece, Santorini, Pyrgos

Grape variety: Assyrtiko

Background: Evdemon is the super cuvée of the Estate from only two vineyards in the areas of Pyrgos and Megalochori that are cultivated with biodynamic methods. Fermented in 80% stainless steel tanks and the rest in old 500 litre barrels that give volume and complexity to the wine.

Tasting notes: Rich and full-bodied with almost tropical fruit that ties in harmoniously with the distinctive smoky character of the great wines of Santorini. A wine of experience and emotion for those who want to explore and better understand what Assyrtiko can give.

Awards: 93 Points - Tim Atkins: "Opens complex, concentrated, and brooding, humming with quiet power. Sea salt and iodine are on the foreground, supplemented by a green, herbal character. Continues with a rich, opulent palate, which is balanced by the trademark Assyrtiko acidity. Finishes long and fresh"

Region: Greece, Santorini

Grape variety: Assyrtiko

Background: Santorini Cuvee Monsignori of Argyros Estate is perhaps the most emblematic expression of Santorini. Its special name is not accidental as Monsignori used to say the old vineyards on the island. Cuvee Monsignori comes from the oldest vineyard in Santorini, that of Episkopi village.

Tasting notes: It has pale lemon green colour and complex aromas of lemon, grapefruit, orange peel, green apple, honey, and peach, against a background of minerality. Rich mouth with tremendous concentration, sharp acidity, and full body.

"The Cuvee Monsignori 2020 is praised for its present excellence and longevity, hinting at the latent potential of Santorini, "In the photo-finish, I went with Monsignori 2020... That two of these labels also feature as 'Discoveries of the Year' shows just how much potential there is still for Santorini."

Region: Greece, Santorini

Grape variety: Assyrtiko

Background: The Estate Argyros’ construal of an old, distinctive Santorinian style. A very strict selection of very old Assyrtiko vineyards, at least 150 year old, in Pyrgos and Megalochori, harvested at deep ripeness, usually twenty days after the main picking date. Fermented, partially uninoculated, in French oak barriques, at ambient temperatures and aged for twelve months in French oak barriques on fine lees and then approximately twelve additional months in stainless steel, again on fine lees. A wine of imposing proportions, of power but showing no hint of roughness. It needs several years in bottle to grow out of its youth and will unfurl for more than fifteen years.

Tasting notes: Golden yellow colour in the glass. In the aromatic characteristics we find citrus, stone and green fruits, sage, charming aromas of flint stone and notes of minerality, with nuts to follow. On the palate it is rich and complex, with the minerality and a slight saltiness being evident throughout. The body is full, with a characteristic sharp acidity and a persistent aftertaste that lasts.

Stunning expression of Santorini, where its aroma, although still quite fresh, is at the same time elegant and complex, with fresh citrus fruits, citrus peel, ripe white fruits and aromas that resemble stone and betray the terroir. Its taste is rich, with the characteristic sharp acidity and long aftertaste where it leaves a beautiful sense of saltiness.

Awards: 95 Points - Tim Atkins: "A remarkably broad, complex, persistent, and yet very refined nose. The aromatic profile is typical of Argyros: there is the combination of lemon, lime, and salt, promising high but elegantly rendered acidity. But there is also a kernel of sweeter aromas in the background, characteristic of traditional Nykteri: mandarin, orange peel, and bergamot. The palate is a similarly impressive balancing act between tradition and modernity. The fullness and heft of Nykteri is delivered here via a clean, almost pristine texture, while the sweetness takes a back seat to some bracing, vitalising Assyrtiko acidity. And as an aside, I don’t think I have ever encountered a 15% wine that feels so light"