Assyrtiko
One of the finest noble white grapes of Europe, Assyrtiko’s origins began in Santorini. It dominates the Santorini landscape comprising 70% of all vineyard plantings and is grown in a field blend with the more than 30 other varieties native to the island. Not surprisingly, Santorini is where Assyrtiko gives its most unique expression of character. This is due to the climatic struggle that it must endure, as well as the influence of the island’s volcanic soil and microclimate. It has the unusual quality of maintaining high levels of alcohol and acidity at the same time, making it one of the few white grapes of the Mediterranean that also possess very long ageing potential.
Assyrtiko produces full-bodied, dry white wines with citrus aromas, combined with a distinct mineral character. Assyrtiko is also blended with Athiri and Aidani to make one of the world’s best sweet wines, Vinsanto, which also has its first origins in Santorini.
According to research carried out by the Agricultural University of Athens, in collaboration with the Department of Pharmacy and the Biochemistry of Thessaly, Assyrtiko, although white, has a high polyphenolic content, which creates an antioxidant reaction and therefore protection from cardiovascular diseases, similar to red wine.
Ambelia” In order to protect plants from strong winds and to limit their need for water, the vine growers of Santorini adapted and refined a primitive pruning technique, the “ambelia” or “kouloura”. The plants are pruned to form a low vegetable basket where grapes are protected and mature, without run the risk of being damaged by sand, which is carried by the wind.
A kouloura (Think collar)
Sunning themselves on the stairs and waiting for their human servants to bring them fish.
Naturally, Santorini has some of the best volcanic cat box litter in the world!