Famously home to one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world, those lucky enough to have visited this jewel of the Cyclades will know that the same volcano that created Santorini's dramatic caldera views, also created the volcanic soils that produce some of the world's most exquisitely fresh and mineral white wines, from local grape Assyrtiko.
While there are a number of longer-established and more famous producers of Assyrtiko on the island, it's the younger generation represented by Vassaltis owner Yannis Valambous, who have the passion and energy to drive quality to the level of the fine white Burgundies and Rhones that dominate the world stage.
Never exported outside of Greece before, this newest estate in Santorini boasts one of the most experienced winemaking teams on the island, with stints at Michel Chapoutier in France, T-Oinos Estate on the Greek island of Tinos, as well as at Sigalas and Hatzidakis on Santorini itself.
We make no idle boast when we compare Vassaltis Estate's Assyrtiko to top Puligny-Montrachet and Condrieu - it offers the power and succulence, combined with elegant structure and intensely fine minerality of both, with its own, unique, Santorini twist.
In the 2015 vintage, Vassaltis have added a barrel aged Assyrtiko to their range, using low-toast, top-quality French oak to give beautifully well-integrated toasty spice notes and creamy texture to Assyrtiko's naturally intense minerality. The first barrel-aged Assyrtiko 2016 arrived in January 2017.
As an added boost to the growing popularity of this vineyard and winery, the well known Master of Wine, Greg Sherwood wrote an article on his Wine Safari blog about the Vassaltis Assyrtiko 2016, giving it a 94/100 wine safari score. Noteable comments include: "A wine Eben Sadie in the Swartland would be proud to have made, which is a real badge of honour! Drink now to 2025+".
Greg also did a wonderful post on our recent Greek fine wine extravaganza.
2020 sees the winery going from strength to strength. The front page of our website really shows off where these wines are being listed. Some of London's best spots are listing this one off winery. The team continues to go from strength to strength. The 2018 stainless steel Assyrtiko has now arrived. Have a taste of Santorini in the UK this year. As the summer rolls on and the winery goes from strength to strength enjoy more of the 2018.
Even Trip Advisor has jumped on the band wagon and already has over 77 reviews giving the Vineyards (as a place to visit) 5/5!
