Following-up on my Greek Wine Journey - Alpha estate 100% Assyrtyko Aghia Kiriaki - what a pleasant suprise! - The Athan Zafirov Wine Blog
My Recent post about their 100% Xinomavro from ungrafted, pre-phylloxera vines:
https://www.reddit.com/r/wine/comments/1uxcxok/why_did_nobody_warn_me_greek_wine_is_so_delicious/
I was recommended to try Assyrtyko, so here is my experience with it 7 days later. I was recommended one from Santorini, but this bottling comes from the cool-climate Amyndeon plateau in Northern Greece, proving the variety can be just as compelling away from its volcanic island home.
It was awarded 93 points from Robert Parker for this particular vintage and 92 Points from Wine Enthusiast for a previous vinatage.
For some context: this is a single-block (2.45 ha) vineyard called Aghia Kiriaki, planted at 535m elevation in the Amyndeon viticultural zone. The combination of high altitude, sandy-clay soils over limestone, cool nights, and constant northwestern winds helps preserve remarkable freshness and acidity. The wine is made with a short period of skin contact before fermentation, fermented entirely in stainless steel, then aged 8 months sur lie with regular bâtonnage, giving it far more texture than you'd expect from such a crisp white.
Nose: Intense aromas of lemon zest, grapefruit, white peach, and ripe pear, followed by white flowers, and a subtle herbal note. Underneath it there is a beautiful wet stone/mineral character that becomes more pronounced as it opens.
Palate: This is where the wine really shines. Razor-sharp acidity is balanced by a surprisingly creamy texture from the extended lees aging. Bright citrus - lemon, lime, and grapefruit leads the charge, followed by crunchy green apple, white peach, and hints of white blossom. I also noticed chalky minerality that gives the wine real tension and precision. It somehow manages to feel both rich and incredibly refreshing at the same time.
Finish: Long and clean, with a salty mineral edge that makes you immediately want another sip.
I will be travelling to Crete(Chania) for 10 days in September - let me know which wineries/grapes/wines should I try from there(or any other region in Greece :P) if you have any recommendations ;)
For 15 years, Athan Zafirov has traveled the vineyards around the world and worked with some of the greatest chefs including Francois Duc and Alan Brown.
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