Wines Santorini Santo Wines - Irini - 2020

Santo Wines Cuvée Irini 2020 from Santorini is a fascinating white wine that reflects the distinctive character of the Aegean Islands. While the precise blend is not specified, wines from Santorini often showcase the indigenous Assyrtiko grape, either as a varietal or in blends. This grape is renowned for its vibrant acidity, minerality, and resilience to the volcanic island’s unique terroir. In the glass, you can expect freshness and salinity, with potential notes of citrus, green apple, white peach, and perhaps a hint of herbal tones or floral undertones, all underpinned by a pronounced mineral backbone. The 2020 vintage, shaped by abundant sunshine and the steady, cooling Aegean breezes, generally delivers wines with excellent balance, purity, and ageing potential.

Santorini’s vineyards are among the oldest in the world, trained in traditional “kouloura” basket shapes to shield the grapes from winds and intense heat. The volcanic soils of the island, comprised of pumice, ash, and lava, impart a unique mineral complexity and help the vines endure the arid conditions by holding on to the scant rainfall. The region’s winemaking heritage stretches back millennia; Santorini’s white wines are revered for their tension, vitality, and expressive aromas. The combination of rare terroir, indigenous varieties, and generations of experience creates a truly unique expression in each bottle.

To complement Cuvée Irini’s crisp acidity and mineral structure, consider pairing it with classic Greek fare such as grilled octopus, fresh white fish dressed with lemon and olive oil, or meze dishes like fava purée and capers. Shellfish, oysters, and ceviche would also resonate beautifully, while locally produced cheeses such as feta or manouri offer a fine match. If you’re feeling adventurous, a traditional Santorini tomato fritter (tomatokeftedes) is an unforgettable partner.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this white wine chilled, ideally between 8-10°C, to accentuate its freshness and aromatic complexity. Enjoy the wine young for its vibrancy, or allow it a few years in your cellar to enhance its depth and mineral nuance.