Assyrtiko Sigalas 2023

Domaine Sigalas' Assyrtiko is a white wine born in the beautiful natural setting of one of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean. Santorini is located in the heart of the Aegean Sea, in the southern part of the Cyclades archipelago. A volcanic island survived a terrible eruption that occurred around 1620 BC. Archaeological excavations have shown that grapevines were already part of the culture of the time and have been preserved to the present day through some ancient indigenous grape varieties. Assyrtiko is not only a great Mediterranean white, it is also a sip of our common history, a symbolic wine, a chalice of remembrance and of our European roots.

Assyrtiko white is Domaine Sigalas' most famous wine. The grapes come from old vines more than 60 years old, rooted in soft volcanic soils, composed of sands and lapilli, very rich in minerals. The climatic conditions of the island of Santorini, which are particularly dry and characterized by the violent gusts of the Meltemi, have since ancient times led to the cultivation of vines on the ground, in small holes, wrapping the shoots around themselves to form a sort of circular basket. Although there are some espalier plantings today, the vine landscape of Santorini is still tied to this unusual and fascinating form of farming. After manual harvesting, the grapes are gently pressed and the must ferments in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats. Before bottling, the wine matures several months in steel tanks.

Domaine Sigalas' Assyrtiko wine is the icon of Santorini viticulture, an indispensable label for getting to know and appreciate the characteristics of the eponymous grape variety native to the Cyclades. A variety with extraordinary characteristics, capable of maintaining a high level of freshness even when fully ripe. To the eye it is straw yellow in color, with luminous reflections. The olfactory profile is refined and limpid, with scents of lime zest, grapefruit, citrus fruits, nuances of Mediterranean maquis herbs, white-fleshed fruit, hints of flint and iodine memories. The sip is sharp and vertical with fragrant, intense aromas and a saline trail leading toward a finish characterized by vibrant citrine freshness. A must-have bottle.