The Best Wine & Deli in Athens

Assyrtiko-Santorini

Assyrtiko-Santorini (pronounced A seer’ tee ko) wines are rare and distinctive. Dating back 3500 years, on the volcanic island of Santorini, these wines were born from the indigenous Assyrtiko grape, where it was cultivated in some of the world’s oldest vineyards, Assyrtiko-Santorini.

Classified as dry whites, can be drunk young or aged, as they are precious, truly age worthy wines; the ideal complement to haute cuisine, fish, seafood and, surprisingly, even meat dishes.

These terroirs driven wines of distinct character, are structured on exciting minerality and savorous density. They both reflect the unique volcanic and anhydrous soil of Santorini, which is an internationally acclaimed “pedigree”. Assyrtiko-Santorini is one of Greece’s most fascinating and unique indigenous grape variety. If tasted blind, dry wines from Assyrtiko-Santorini (PDO Santorini) are occasionally guessed that comes from a northerly climate. Yet, its birthplace is Santorini, a unique island of breath-taking beauty in the middle of the Aegean Sea.

Assyrtiko-Santorini does not at all have the usual profile of other hot climate varieties. It produces a dry white wine of distinctive character and great minerality, pleasant to drink young, but also very age worthy. Most wines are unoaked, though some very good examples of oaked Assyrtiko are made and boast the same great ageing potential.

Very old vines, along with poor soils, hydric stress and strong winds, explain the extremely low yields of Assyrtiko-Santorini, as well as the dense structure and the opulence of its wines. Harvest is one of the two –hardly three– earliest in the country and usually starts between the beginning and in the middle of August.

This rare, ancient grape, Assyrtiko-Santorini produces a world class wine that appeals you to discover the unique volcanic terroir of Santorini.

Assyrtiko-Santorini is a must try for all those seeking an awesome experience, rooted in Santorini’s legacy of ancient earth wind & fire, sea, & fine wine, that is off the beaten track. Not only does it not resemble anything else, but it has one of the most striking senses of place a wine can convey.

Of course, we’d be elated to guide you through our curated selection of Greek indigenous grape varieties in person. After all, Cinque Wine & Deli is all about creating connections over a glass of good Greek wine, discussing the sensory extravaganza over rows of glasses ready for wine flights and answering your questions with our expertise and experience!

Visit us today and let us whisk you away on a gastronomic adventure through the treasures of Greece. Cheers to good food, good company, and unforgettable memories! Yamas!