Argyros Estate, Santorini (Greece) Assyrtiko 2017

 Assyrtiko is a native Greek grape variety that offers its best renditions from the Aegean island of Santorini.  The Santorini Assyrtiko from Argyros Estate provides a delicious introduction to this classic Greek grape.  This is a pure and complex white that can be enjoyed now or stashed away in the cellar for a few years.  The 2017 vintage continues a tradition of quality production.  The island of Santorini is the remnant of a volcano that erupted with cataclysmic force some 3500 years ago, leaving an assemblage of recently-formed volcanic rocks in its wake.  It is difficult to grow grapes here, but the volcanic soils and spare growing conditions yield wines of considerable power and depth.  The 2017 Argyros Estate Assyrtiko shows aromas of peach, apple, honey, lemon peel and spice.  The flavors are pure and exciting, with peach, apple, lemon and tropical fruit flavors underlain by subtle honey, herb and spice tones.  Its rich texture and complexity make the Argyros Estate Santorini Assyrtiko a most satisfying white wine.