The best wines of Santorini
Welcome to the hidden paradise of Santorini, where sunny vineyards and stunning views combine to create a haven for wine lovers. Nestled in the Aegean Sea, this Greek island hides a secret waiting to be discovered - its world-renowned wines. From the volcanic soils that enrich the vineyards to the unique grape varieties grown here, Santorini offers a truly unforgettable wine-tasting experience.
Join us on a journey as we uncover the hidden gems of Santorini, exploring the best of the island's wines that this enchanting island has to offer. From the crisp and refreshing Assyrtiko, with its lively acidity and minerality, to the delicious and aromatic Vinsanto, aged in oak barrels for years, each sip tells a story of the island's rich history and winemaking tradition.
The Best Wines of Santorini - The Unique Terroir of Santorini
The enchanting wines of Santorini owe their special character to the unique terroir of the island. The volcanic eruptions that shaped the landscape thousands of years ago left behind a rich volcanic soil known as "aspa" or "aspa wrong". This mineral-rich soil is ideal for growing vines, giving the wines a distinctive flavour profile.
Volcanic ash acts as a natural filter, retaining moisture and preventing the vines from succumbing to the arid Mediterranean climate. The strong winds that sweep across the island also play a key role in shaping the vineyards, protecting the grapes from disease and creating the ideal conditions for growing high quality grapes.
The volcanic nature of Santorini's soil also contributes to the island's unique taste profile. The wines produced here are characterized by their lively acidity, intense minerality and intense saline notes. These qualities make the wines of Santorini stand out among their Greek and international counterparts, offering a truly unique and unforgettable tasting experience.
The Best Wines of Santorini - Santorini Grape Varieties
Santorini is home to a variety of grape varieties, each of which offers its own distinct flavours and characteristics. The best known and most widely planted grape on the island is Assyrtiko. Known as the "white diamond" of Santorini, Assyrtiko is a versatile grape that can be used to produce both dry and sweet wines. It thrives in volcanic soil, expressing its full potential through its vibrant acidity, citrus aromas and minerals. Assyrtiko is often praised for its ability to age gracefully, with some wines develop complex flavours and aromas over time.
Apart from Assyrtiko, Santorini also cultivates other indigenous grape varieties, such as Aydani and Athiri. Aydani is known for its delicate floral aromas and fresh acidity, making it an excellent choice for the production of aromatic white wines. Athiri, on the other hand, offers a more rounded and fruity profile, often used in blends to add depth and complexity.
The best wines of Santorini - Traditional winemaking techniques on the island
The winemaking tradition of Santorini dates back centuries, with techniques that have been handed down from generation to generation. One of the most typical winemaking practices on the island is the "kouloura" training system. In this traditional method, the vines are trained in a circular shape, forming a basket-like structure that protects the grapes from strong winds and bright sunlight. This unique training system not only ensures the health of the vines but also contributes to the concentrated flavours and high quality grapes produced on the island.
Another traditional winemaking technique used in Santorini is the use of pumice or "aspa" for the fermentation and ageing of the wines. Pumice is a volcanic rock that retains heat, providing the ideal conditions for fermentation. The wines are often aged in underground cellars carved into the volcanic rock, where they develop complex flavours and aromas over time. This traditional approach to winemaking preserves the island's rich heritage and creates wines that truly reflect Santorini's unique terroir.
The best wines of Santorini - The top wineries to visit in Santorini
When you explore the wines Santorini, a visit to the island's top wineries is a must. These wineries not only offer the opportunity to taste excellent wines, but also provide an insight into the winemaking process and the rich history of the island. One such winery is Santo Wines, located on the cliffs of the caldera overlooking the Aegean Sea. Santo Wines is a cooperative of local winegrowers, dedicated to producing high quality wines that showcase the best of Santorini's terroir. Their tasting room offers stunning views and a wide variety of wines to sample.
Another must-visit winery is Gaia Wines, known for its innovative approach to winemaking while still honoring the island's traditions. Gaia Wines produces a range of excellent wines, including the acclaimed Assyrtiko Wild Ferment, which showcases the natural yeasts of the grape. Their modern winery and cellar offer a unique environment to learn about the winemaking process while enjoying panoramic views of the vineyards.
The Best Wines of Santorini - Must-Try Wines from Santorini
No exploration of Santorini's wine scene would be complete without tasting some of its unique wines. The island's iconic wine is undoubtedly Assyrtiko, with its bright acidity, citrus flavours and mineral backbone. Whether enjoyed as a crisp and refreshing dry white or a more complex and age-appropriate version, Assyrtiko is a true representation of Santorini's terroir.
Another wine that you should not miss is Vinsanto, a delicious and aromatic dessert wine that has become a symbol of Santorini. Made from sun-dried Assyrtiko, Aydani and Athiri grapes, Vinsanto undergoes a long aging process in oak barrels, developing rich flavours of caramel, dried fruit and honey. This sweet nectar is the perfect accompaniment to a sunset view or a decadent dessert.
The Best Wines of Santorini - Food Pairings with Santorini Wines
The wines of Santorini are not only pleasant to drink on their own but they are also great with a variety of dishes. The vibrant acidity and mineral character of Assyrtiko make it an excellent match with seafood, especially grilled fish, octopus and prawns. Assyrtiko's citrus notes and crispness also complement Mediterranean salads, feta cheese and grilled vegetables.
As for Vinsanto, its rich sweetness and complex flavours make it an ideal partner for desserts. Pair it with traditional Greek sweets such as baklava or doughnuts, or even with strong cheeses and nuts for a delightful contrast of flavours. Η flexibility of Santorini wines ensures that there is a perfect pairing for every palate.
The best wines of Santorini
The hidden gems of Santorini are not only found in its enchanting landscapes but also in its excellent wines. The unique terroir, indigenous grape varieties and traditional winemaking techniques contribute to the uniqueness and quality of Santorini's wines. From the vibrant and mineral Assyrtiko to the delicious and aromatic Vinsanto, every sip reveals a story of the island's rich history and winemaking traditions.
A visit to Santorini is an invitation to explore the hidden paradise and experience the best wines this enchanting island has to offer. So raise a glass, savour the flavours and let the wines of Santorini transport you to a world of sensory pleasure. Cheers!
