The grape variety Assyrtiko Santorin

Assyrtiko Santorini is a distinguished white grape variety, uniquely adapted to the volcanic terroir of the Greek island of Santorini. Renowned for its pronounced minerality, Assyrtiko expresses a vibrant aromatic profile combining notes of citrus fruits—such as lemon and grapefruit—with undertones of green apple, saline hints, and occasional nuances of flint and white flowers. On the palate, Assyrtiko is characteristically dry, exhibiting high acidity and a strikingly crisp structure, which lend the wines remarkable freshness and longevity. While its spiritual home is Santorini, where the ungrafted vines are often centuries old and grown in volcanic soils, Assyrtiko is increasingly cultivated in other Greek regions, but never replicated with the same intensity and elegance.

Assyrtiko wines from Santorini are produced in a range of styles, from steely, unoaked expressions to more complex versions matured in oak, and even the luscious, sun-dried Vinsanto, renowned for its sweetness and aromatic depth. These versatile wines are exemplary partners for seafood—grilled octopus, shellfish, and lemon-dressed white fish—while their acidity complements fresh salads, tangy cheeses such as feta, and Mediterranean mezze, making Assyrtiko a celebrated choice for refined gastronomy.