A Taste of Santorini: 2022 Domaine Sigalas Santorini Assyrtiko

What is Assyrtiko?  

Assyrtiko is a white grape that originates from the Greek island of Santorini, where it’s been cultivated for centuries. When it comes to how Assyrtiko wines taste, you will notice vibrant notes of citrus, such as lemon and grapefruit, accompanied by subtle hints of stone fruit. These Greek wines also have a touch of saline on the palate that brings to mind the seaside quality of the captivating Greek island where they are grown.

The other characteristic of Assyrtiko that makes these wines the perfect summer sipper is the grape’s razor-sharp acidity and dry profile. Assyrtiko wines, like the 2022 Sigalas Santorini Assyrtiko, are made for warm weather.

Some interesting facts about Assyrtiko  

• Assyrtiko also goes by the name Assyrtiko.

• Only 3% of Greek vineyards are planted to Assyrtiko vines.

• Santorini is home to over 40% percent of the entire plantings of Assyrtiko  in Greece. This works out to about 800 hectares.

Where else is the Assyrtiko grape grown?

While Santorini remains the heartland of Assyrtiko production, this dynamic Greek grape has also found success in South Africa, Australia, and pockets of Lodi, California and the Central Valley.

Domaine Sigalas Founder Paris Sigalas  

Santorini is home to some of the Mediterranean’s best wines, and at the forefront of this ancient wine community is Domaine Sigalas. Created in 1991 by revolutionary Greek winemaker Paris Sigalas, Domaine Sigalas has been instrumental in putting these singular wines on the global stage.

Intrigued by his family’s longstanding winemaking tradition, Sigalas took a bold approach, seamlessly blending time-tested methods with modern advancements. This dedication to quality and innovation quickly propelled Domaine Sigalas to the forefront of Santorini’s wine scene. They exclusively cultivate the island’s indigenous grapes, with Assyrtiko reigning supreme in the vineyard. This unique varietal thrives in Santorini’s volcanic soils, imbuing the wines with a captivating minerality and a refreshing citrusy character – a perfect introduction to the exciting world of Greek whites.

Domaine Sigalas Winemaker Sara Iakovidou  

While founding winemaker Paris Sigalas may no longer be the head winemaker at Domaine Sigalas, this Santorini winery is in good hands. Winemaker Sara Iakovidou took the reins a few years ago, and has continued to produce Greek wines in the style that put Domaine Sigalas on the map. 

Domaine Sigalas Winery produces 300,000 cases of wine a year, and these bottles are exported to 15 countries around the world.

The Wines of Santorini  

The wines of Santorini are a testament to the island’s extraordinary viticultural heritage, where ancient tradition intertwines seamlessly with the resilience of both land and vine. Among the most renowned varieties grown here is Assyrtiko, celebrated for its vibrant acidity and mineral-driven profile, often complemented by the citrus and stone fruit nuances that define its character. Other notable grapes include Athiri and Aidani, which are added to Assyrtiko wines to soften up the intensely acidic profile.

The unique growing conditions of Santorini, marked by volcanic soil and a parched, sun-drenched landscape, impart a distinctive minerality to the wines. The island’s microclimates, with their cooling sea breezes and minimal rainfall, ensure the vines are deeply rooted and concentrated in flavor, allowing for a singular expression of this unique terroir.

How to Pair Assyrtiko Wines  

Acid-driven wines pair well with food, and Assyrtiko is no exception. Seafood dishes naturally go great with Assyrtiko’s citrus notes and salinity – this is an island wine, after all! You can also pair Assyrtiko wines with grilled fish, scallops (or scallop crudo), fried calamari, or even a simple Greek salad with briny olives and feta cheese.

Vegetarians can enjoy Domaine Sigalas Assyrtiko with grilled halloumi cheese, roasted vegetables with fresh herbs, or creamy goat cheese pasta, as well as spicy Thai curries or Szechuan tofu.