I wanted to explore rare white grapes and came upon an article called “The Ten Rarest Wine Grape Varieties.” The first wine they listed is Assyrtiko from Santorini, Greece. So, I decided to explore this grape and wine. Thank you to Wine Folly and Wines of Greece for their help with this article.
Getting to Know Assyrtiko
According to Wine Folly, “Assyrtiko is a rare grape in terms of vineyard area but is quickly picking up acreage throughout Greece. It’s noted for its texture, acidity, and minerality.” It is also known for its natural freshness, balance, and poise.
While the grape originated in Santorini, it spread all over Greece, becoming, in terms of quality, one of the most important native varietals. It produces mainly dry wines, some of which are aged in oak. However, some sweet wines are made too, from sun-dried grapes.
The wine features these aromas and tastes:
- Lime
- Passion Fruit
- Beeswax
- Flint
- Saline
Food Pairings
Wine Folly says that “Assyrtiko is perfect for shellfish and, of course, Greece’s classic tomato-feta salad. You’ll find this wine is extremely versatile with a wide range of cuisines.”
