The Wine Reference🍷 SupportAssyrtiko grape
Assyrtiko is a white grape known for lemon, mineral, saline. Its best-known homes are Santorini.
Origin and history
An ancient Greek grape from the volcanic island of Santorini in the Aegean.
Where it grows
Santorini, plus mainland Greece (Macedonia, Attica, Peloponnese), other Aegean islands and a few plantings in Australia's Clare Valley.
Structure
Medium to full body with very high acidity even in hot climates; dry, sometimes oaked, and sweet as Vinsanto.
Aromas, young and aged
Young: lemon, lime, flint, saline and smoky notes. With age: honey, petrol-like and toasty notes, with citrus peel.
Ageing
Most Santorini Assyrtiko improves for 5–10 years; the best can age 15–20 years.
Also known as
Asyrtiko.
Good to know
Santorini vines are trained into low baskets ('kouloura') against the wind and, thanks to phylloxera-free volcanic soil, grow on their own roots.
Wine regions for Assyrtiko
Assyrtiko wines to try
Real bottles from The Wine Library.
Domaine Sigalas Assyrtiko
Bone-dry volcanic white: lemon, saline minerality and firm acidity.
Food: Grilled fish, seafood
Gaia Wines Thalassitis
Bone-dry and taut, with lemon pith, crushed volcanic stone and a salty tang that lingers like sea spray.
Food: Grilled octopus with lemon and oregano
Estate Argyros Vinsanto
Santorini · Assyrtiko, Athiri, Aidani
Sun-dried grapes give dried apricot, fig, coffee and orange peel, lifted by Santorini's trademark acidity.
Food: Baklava, blue cheese
Similar white grapes
Explore all grapes in the interactive guide
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