Assyrtiko is a Greek grape that makes wonderful, high-acidity wines on the Island of Santorini. In 2012, second generation family winemaker Peter Barry grafted the first Assyrtiko into his Australian vineyards after falling in love with the grape while visiting Santorini. His wine is mineral driven with tart stone and tropical fruit including lime, lychee, and white peach. Despite not being surrounded by the sea, like Santorini, the wine shows a light salinity, a classic flavor for Assyrtiko. The wine has excellent minerality and the finish has a really wonderful grapefruit zest note that compliments the entire adventure. This might just be my first Assyrtiko grown outside of Greece and I hope that other winemakers take note and start grafting some of this wonderful variety onto their vineyards.
Jim Barry, Clare Valley (South Australia) Assyrtiko 2019
By Vince Simmon