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Assyrtiko
Assyrtiko is a white grape indigenous to Greece, specifically to the the island of Santorini in the southern Aegean sea. Santorini is most active volcanic centre in the sea and the dense volcanic ash in which Assyrtiko vines grow is believed to be the contributing factor in it being the only European grape with any resistance to Phylloxera.
For all the benefits of its soil, the general terroir of Santorini is a challenging one, with strong sea winds and incredibly dry weather. As such, special methods of viticulture have been developed in order to plant Assyrtiko there. This involves training the vines to grow into basket shapes, encouraging them to weave around each other with the grapes protected from the wind in the middle.
The first Australian Assyrtiko were grown using the same method using cuttings from Argyros Estate on Santorini. Cuttings were also imported to the USA in 1948 by a grape breeder at the University of California, and have since the turn of the century have been planted by wineries in California and North Carolina.
Known to be a very versatile grape, in addition to its increasing popularity as a varietal wine, Assyrtiko grapes are also often blended, while their susceptibility to oxidation see them used by Santorini winemakers to produce sweet Vinsanto wines.
Notable regions
While native to Santorini and making up the majority of the island's viticulture, Assyrtiko can be found elsewhere in Greece as well, including other Aegean islands such as Paros and as far north as Greek Macedonia.
In addition to small pockets of cultivation in Australia and the US, some Assyrtiko is also grown in Lebanon.
Characteristics
Assyrtiko grapes produce dry white wines with light body and very high acidity.
The dominant flavours and aromas are of acidity and minerality, often represented in notes of flint, saline, passionfruit, and lime. In dessert wines Assyrtiko produces a rich, nutty texture.