Ambrosia of the gods Santorini’s sweet white wine or “ambrosia of the gods”? Although the first answer is a certainty (Vino di Santorini), the second is equally appropriate since Santorini’s grand Vinsanto (PDO Santorini) is indeed fit for the gods! Although Vinsanto has been renowned since the 12th century, it did not acquire true fame… Continue reading Vinsanto
Tag: santorini vineyard
Aidani
Aidani is another variety of the Aegean Sea but, in some ways, it can be considered as an alternative expression of the great wines of Santorini or the perfect blending partner of Assyrtiko. It is a white grape, used to produce dry whites or, in less usual occasions, dessert wines that receive substantial aging in oak.… Continue reading Aidani
Mandilaria
Amorgiano; Pariano; Vaftra; Koundoura Black; Mandilari: These are but a few of the names of the late-harvested red grape Mandilaria variety and serve as testimonials to the extent to which the variety has spread throughout Greece and the Greek isles in particular. As early as the time of Pausanias, Mandilaria has participated in the production of the renowned Ariousios… Continue reading Mandilaria
Mavrotragano
Until recently, this red grape variety with its black (“mavro) and crisp (“tragano”) berries—hence, the name Mavrotragano—was merely blended in the Santorini sweet wines and had become all but extinct. Today, it is one of the highly-touted varieties employed in producing reds. With its future appearing more auspicious than ever, Mavrotragano combines the exotic with the singular in… Continue reading Mavrotragano
Athiri
Athiri is an ancient white grape variety of the Aegean Sea, used for centuries to make excellent dry white wines. Ever since its qualities were recognized by vine growers across Greece, it has been an essential and extremely elegant expression of the style of white wines produced on the Cyclades and Dodecanese islands. Athiri is a vine… Continue reading Athiri
History of santorini’s vineyards
The vineyard of Santorini is ancient, with ancient varieties. The findings found in the excavations of the prehistoric city of Akrotiri, as confirmed by a professor at the University of Athens and head of the excavations at Akrotiri, Mr. Doumas, are direct testimonies for the cultivation of Thira (Santorini), at least before the 17th century… Continue reading History of santorini’s vineyards
Assyrtiko
General info Assyrtiko is one of the most important grape varieties, not only of Greece but also of the Mediterranean! It is a very resistant variety in both drought and disease. It is cultivated with very interesting results all over Greece, giving wines of different styles. When it’s vinified solo, it can give still, dry,… Continue reading Assyrtiko
The unique vineyard
Firstly, according to archaeological researches and excavations that have taken place on the island, in Santorini and specifically in Akrotiri, they cultivated vines from 17th century BC. The inhabitants of the area vinified and sold their own wine. After the eruption of the volcano, in 1600 BC. the prehistoric vineyard was destroyed. Many plants were… Continue reading The unique vineyard