Assyrtiko is a white grape variety native to the Greek island of Santorini, where it has been cultivated for centuries and is believed to have originated. Adapted to the island’s harsh volcanic soils and dry, windy climate, Assyrtiko retains striking acidity even in extreme heat, producing wines that are crisp, mineral, and age-worthy. Historically grown in basket-trained vines to protect grapes from the elements, it forms the backbone of Santorini’s celebrated dry whites and the sun-dried, oxidative dessert wine Vinsanto. In recent decades, Assyrtiko has spread beyond Santorini to mainland Greece, particularly in regions like Drama and Attica, and internationally to Australia and the US, where its resilience to drought and heat is increasingly valued. Benchmark examples include the wines of Estate Argyros, Gaia’s ‘Thalassitis’, and Hatzidakis, which showcase Assyrtiko’s structure, salinity, and potential for both freshness and longevity.
