Wines Santorini Estate Argyros - Cuvee Monsignori - 2018

Viniou Reviews

Estate Argyros’ Cuvee Monsignori 2018 is an exceptional dry white wine hailing from the volcanic island of Santorini, in the heart of the Aegean Sea. Crafted predominantly from Assyrtiko, Santorini’s noble and indigenous grape variety, this cuvée is sourced from some of the island’s oldest vines, many of which are ungrafted and centuries-old. The 2018 vintage offered a cooler growing season, enhancing the wine’s taut structure and crystalline purity. Vinification at Estate Argyros combines meticulous hand-harvesting with careful fermentation in stainless steel, preserving the Assyrtiko’s vibrant acidity and mineral profile. Lees ageing may be employed to add subtle texture and a whisper of complexity, resulting in a wine of stunning precision, displaying notes of lemon zest, wet stone, saline breeze, and a touch of green apple.

Santorini itself is one of Greece’s most celebrated and dramatic terroirs, born from a volcanic eruption millennia ago. Its soils are a mosaic of pumice, ash and lava, poor in organic matter but incredibly rich in minerals, which impart an unmistakable salinity and minerality to the local wines. The island’s arid, windy climate forces the vines to be trained in a unique basket shape (kouloura), shielding fruit from scorching sun and fierce Aegean winds. Viticulture here is not merely tradition but an art refined over generations, producing wines with searing freshness and elegant intensity.

Culinarily, such a vibrant, mineral-driven wine shines with seafood and Mediterranean fare. Consider pairing it with grilled octopus drizzled with lemon and olive oil, fresh oysters or marinated anchovies. Locally, it would be sublime alongside fava (Santorini split pea purée) or tomatokeftedes (tomato fritters). This Assyrtiko’s racy structure also complements citrus-dressed salads or goat’s cheese starters.

For the perfect experience, serve the Cuvee Monsignori 2018 nicely chilled, ideally at 8-10°C. Allow it a few minutes in the glass to breathe, which will reveal the full spectrum of its mineral and citrus aromas. This is a wine to be enjoyed young for its verve, but patience will reward those who allow its complexities to develop over several years.