Gaia Santorini Wild Ferment Assyrtiko 2009
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After undergoing the 12-hour skin contact the must is partially clarified and stored in small chilled INOX tanks as well as in new 225 lit French Oak barrels. The temperature is then allowed to rise naturally, without any further involvement. From that point on, modern technology passes the baton to traditional winemaking.
Alcoholic fermentation begins and develops on its own at a very gradual pace. The yeast strains that have managed to prevail are the ones which eventually determine - to a large extent - the new wine's character.
A particularity of most Assyrtiko varieties from Santorini is that, although we're talking about white wines, they take on the "demeanor" or red wines! Try ageing Gaia's Assyrtiko for 2-3 years, but strictly at a temperature never surpassing 12-14 degrees celsius. The wine will undergo profound changes. Its metallic dimension will subside while the fruity and honey flavors will envelop its body.
Finally, remember to pour Gaia's Assyrtiko (whether new or aged) in a wide decanter for around half an hour before savoring it. The new dimension this creates in the wine will enthrall you!
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Oak may be the most noticeable element in the aroma, but the first taste is all about minerality, a spray of chalky notes spreading across the palate. From that earthy base lemon notes begin to bloom, along with tight, green herb scents that keep it feeling fresh and lively. It's as graceful and powerful as an Alvin Ailey dancer, with a backbone that will keep it going strong for a good decade.
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A crisp white variety full of zippy acidity, Assyrtiko comes from the volcanic Greek island of Santorini but is grown increasingly wide throughout the country today. Assyrtiko’s popularity isn’t hard to explain: it retains its acid and mineral profile in a hot climate, stands alone or blends well with other grapes and can also withstand some age. Somm Secret—On the fairly barren, windswept Mediterranean island of Santorini, Assyrtiko vines must be cultivated in low baskets, pinned to the ground. The shape serves to preserve moisture and protect the growing grapes in its interior.
A picturesque Mediterranean nation with a rich wine culture dating back to ancient times, Greece has so much more to offer than just retsina. Between the mainland and the country’s many islands, a wealth of Greek wine styles exists, made mostly from Greece’s plentiful indigenous varieties. After centuries of adversity after Ottoman rule, the modern Greek wine industry took off in the late 20th century with an influx of newly trained winemakers and investments in winemaking technology.
The climate—generally hot Mediterranean—can vary a bit with latitude and elevation, and is mostly moderated by cool maritime breezes. Drought can be an issue for Greek wine during the long, dry summers, sometimes necessitating irrigation.
Over 300 indigenous grapes have been identified throughout Greece, and though not all of them are suitable for wine production, future decades will likely see a significant revival and refinement of many of these native Greek wine varieties. Assyrtiko, the crisp, saline Greek wine variety of the island of Santorini, is one of the most important and popular white wine varieties, alongside Roditis, Robola, Moschofilero, and Malagousia. Muscat is also widely grown for both sweet and dry wines. Prominent red wine varieties include full-bodied and fruity Agiorghitiko, native to Nemea; Macedonia’s savory, tannic Xinomavro; and Mavrodaphne, used commonly to produce a Port-like fortified wine in the Peloponnese.