Domaine Sigalas, Santorini (Cyclades, Greece) Assyrtiko 2023

 Domaine Sigalas’ Santorini Assyrtiko is a legendary Greek wine.  From the Aegean island of Santorini, it is a consistently superb white that ages beautifully but provides a delicious tasting experience even on release.  Grown in rocky volcanic soils and harsh growing conditions, many Assyrtiko vineyards are trained low to the ground, in basket form.  This protects from the often-fierce winds and allows moisture from morning mists to nourish the vines.  There is no phylloxera on the island and many of the vine roots are hundreds of years old.  Yields are low and the Assyrtiko grapes retain a high acidity.  The result is impressive dry wines with depth, complexity and age-ability.  The 2023 Domaine Sigalas Assyrtiko shows scents of flowers, herbs, lemon, peach, and pineapple.  The flavors are pure and complex, with layers of rich lemon, peach and tropical fruits underlain by elements of honey and herbs.  The low yields result in a richly textured wine backed by a bracing, crisp acidity.