Greek islanders "Indigenous Grapes of the Greek islands"

"THE ISLANDERS"

Assyrtiko

Assyrtiko is probably Greece’s finest multi-purpose white grape variety. It was first cultivated on the island of Santorini, where it has developed a unique character. It has the ability to preserve its acidity while keeping a high alcoholic content. Assyrtiko gives a bone-dry wine that has citrus aromas mixed with the characteristic earthy flavors that the volcanic soil of Santorini provides It ends with a pleasantly mineral aftertaste. The last 25 years Assyrtiko was replanted at an area near Thessaloniki and from there many other winemaking regions of Greece have begun to plant the grape. Away from Santorini, assyrtiko expresses a milder and more fruity character with less earth and mineral hints.

It is resistant to humid conditions, most common vine diseases and is easily adapted to the different microclimates across the land. Assyrtiko, though, can easily become oxidized due to the high phenol concentration of the grape skins.

In Santorini, Assytiko is the predominant variety that qualifies for the production of the wines with the Appellation of Origin of Superior Quality: Santorini. It can also make excellent barrel fermented dry white wines. Assyrtiko can also be used together with the aromatic aidani grape for the production of the unique, naturally sweet wines called VINSANTO -(wine from SANTOrini)-. Vinsanto is made from the traditional method of letting the grapes dry under the sun for 10 days to concentrate their juice. These sundried grapes are referred to locally as Liasta. The wine is kept in barrels for many years and develops a wonderful color and bouquet that carries you away with hints of chocolate, coffee, butter, honey, and flowers.

Athiri

Athiri is one of the most ancient of Greek grape varieties. The name of the grape gets its name from Thira, which is the other name for Santorini. In ancient times Athiri was known for the production of sweet wines. The grapes mature early, have a thin skin and give sweet and juicy fruit that are qualities especially in demand for the production of sweet wines. It produces wines slightly aromatic, having medium alcoholic content with low acidity. Athiri has been replanted in several other regions of Greece, with the variety being especially popular in the Rhodes, Macedonia and the Islands of the Cyclades.

Aidani

Aidani is another ancient Greek grape variety. We find it only in the Islands of the Cyclades, especially on the island of Santorini, Naxos and Paros. It produces wines pleasantly aromatic with medium alcoholic content and acidity. It can be successfully mixed with grapes having high alcoholic content and acidity such as Assyrtiko.