Wines Santorini Santo Wines - Irini - 2020

Santo Wines Irini 2020 is a fascinating red from Santorini, an island far more often associated with bright, minerally whites but where red wines crafted in small volumes reveal a lesser-known part of the local viticultural heritage. While the precise blend of the Cuvée Irini is not fully disclosed, reds from Santorini are typically based on native grape varieties such as Mandilaria or Mavrotragano, which lend themselves to distinctive, characterful wines. The 2020 vintage is likely marked by pure Mediterranean sunlight and cooling sea breezes, offering balance between ripe, juicy fruit and a savoury, spicy edge. Careful vinification maintains freshness and allows the island’s volcanic terroir to express itself in the glass, sometimes showing mineral notes beneath the red and black fruits.

The island of Santorini, part of the Aegean Islands, boasts a unique terroir defined by its volcanic soils—ash, pumice and lava—which are poor in organic matter but rich in minerals. The region’s dry, windy climate, with significant diurnal temperature variation, is crucial in ensuring healthy ripening and preserving acidity in the grapes. Santorini’s viticultural history stretches back thousands of years; the distinctive kouloura vine training method, with vines woven into protective baskets, is iconic and still seen today. Red wines are rare here, and they represent both the resilience and inventiveness of local winemaking.

A red Santorini such as the Cuvée Irini would pair very well with grilled or roasted lamb dressed in aromatic herbs, slow-cooked beef with Mediterranean spices, or even local dishes such as moussaka or braised octopus in red wine sauce. Its lively acidity and firm structure also make it a good companion to mature cheeses, such as graviera or aged feta, and it can handle richly flavoured aubergine or tomato-based recipes.

To enjoy this wine at its best, serve it slightly cool—around 15-17°C. A brief decanting can help open up its aromatic complexity, revealing layers of fruit, earth and subtle spice. This is a wine to enjoy thoughtfully, appreciating both the glass and the remarkable volcanic landscape from which it hails.