Assyrtiko Delivery or Pickup

Assyrtiko is a rare grape variety used in the fermentation of wine. Some of the best varieties of these grapes are grown in the Mediterranean. Assyrtiko was originally grown on the island of Santorini. Its popularity eventually caused its spread to mainland Greece, and it became one of the countries most important native materials for its high quality. 

Santorini has some of the oldest assyrtiko vines in Greece. Many of them have aged over 70 years, and several could be upwards of 250 years old. Their advanced age offers many variations creating an incredibly complex wine. 

Growing wine grapes here is tough because of Santorini's dry and windy climate. Growers of these vineyards train the grapes into a basket shape to create a wall that protects the soft, delicate fruit from the region's high winds. They also space the plants out significantly due to the lack of water in their dry volcanic climate.

The harsh climate of Santorini isn't all negatives as the volcanic soils prevent the spread of a sap-sucking insect that would destroy the vines by feasting on its supple roots. If it were not for this unique environment, these plants would need to be grafted onto insect-resistant vines to survive.

Assyrtiko has been growing in popularity on the mainland of Greece for the last 25 years. Assyrtiko vines are trellised here and have slightly higher yields than on their original island home. Mainland assyrtiko wines are edgier, more aromatic, and have a discreet mineral flavor. Mainland assyrtikos partner well with a wide range of other grape varieties. Some of the best combinations are Semillon, Malagousia, and Sauvignon Blanc.

Assyrtiko is for those looking for alternative full white wines that focus on density and texture. Assyrtiko activates the senses in a dissimilar way to most dry white wines marketed to the general public. Assyrtiko wines age confidently for up to ten years and oftentimes many more. Some say many assyrtiko wines are eternal, hardly being touched by time.

Assyrtiko has gained a reputation as a versatile wine grape. This grape produces fresh white wines to nutty Vin Santo wines. Assyrtiko is very prone to oxidation. Santorini winemakers exploit this fact by making wines that are known for their sweetness. They create dark wines that pair with coffee, fig, chocolate, or kirsch notes by controlling the amounts of oxidation throughout the winemaking process. 

Assyrtiko can be combined with Aidani and Athiri grapes to create both dry and sweet wines. Although minor components in assyrtiko wines, these two grapes are less acidic and create a subtler, less pronounced flavor when introduced. Some vineyards pick their assyrtiko at night to avoid the hot temperatures of the scorching desert sun to produce a wine known as nykteri. 

These wines can be fermented in oak or steel. However, all assyrtiko wine must be aged in oak for a minimum of three months. Aging assyrtiko in oak produces a full-bodied wine that is bone-dry and very acidic. Wines fermented in steel tend to preserve the flinty and mineral notes of the grape. Most top vintages require more than three years of aging before being tasted or sold.

Here are some assyrtiko wines available through Instacart:

Assyrtiko wine is great for pairing with food. This wine does particularly well when paired with oysters, shellfish, and grilled fish because of its high acidity. Santorini classic dishes are common pairings with assyrtiko wines, often because they are made in the same area, and their crop is grown in similar soils. These wines will also go well with meals containing citrus, like Greek lemon chicken.

Foods that match with assyrtiko wines include: