Assyrtiko Young Vines 2023

The Jeunes Vignes Assyrtiko cuvée represents one of the most authentic expressions of the Assyrtiko grape variety grown in the iconic wine region of Naoussa, in Greek Macedonia. Although this variety is traditionally associated with the island of Santorini, Apostolos Thymiopoulos brilliantly demonstrates that it can also express great freshness and tension on continental terroirs. The vines, still young, are cultivated according to organic viticulture principles on well-drained clay-limestone soils, giving the wine purity and minerality.

The vinification of this cuvée is carried out with care: the grapes are harvested manually at optimal ripeness, then gently pressed. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel vats, at low temperature, in order to preserve all the freshness and primary aromas of the grape variety. No aging in wood is carried out, to maintain a pure, clean and crystalline expression of the fruit and the terroir.

On the palate, this vintage reveals great freshness, with aromas of lemon, grapefruit zest, ripe apple, crisp pear , mirabelle plum accompanied by subtle saline and floral notes . The palate is chiseled, textured and saline. The finish is persistent and mineral.

Long known as small table wines, notably Retsina, a white wine infused with pine resin, Greek wines have risen in quality over the past 20 years. The history of wine is as old as that of Greece. More than 3,000 years ago, traces of the world's oldest grape presses were found on the island of Crete. After stagnating throughout the 20th century, Greek wines have experienced a dazzling improvement in quality thanks to its entry into the European Union, the training of young oenologists in very good European schools and a particular attention to international demand. It does not want to fall into the easy route of using mainly great French grape varieties such as Chardonnay or Cabernet Sauvignon which would greatly facilitate export. Nowadays, Greece wants to continue to cultivate and promote its ancient grape varieties which are estimated to number around 300 in the territory. The very first thing to understand is that Greece is much more diverse in terms of climate than most people realize. The country clearly has everything from arid Mediterranean islands to humid, mountainous pine forests that receive snowfall in the winter. With such a diverse climate, you can expect Greek wines to be quite diverse as well. Thus, one of the best ways to get an idea of Greek wine is to divide the country into four general wine-growing zones based on their climate: Northern Greece (humid climate), the Aegean Islands (arid climate), Central Greece, and Southern Greece (Mediterranean climate). The potential and reputation is greatly underestimated today in the eyes of the general public, which may lead to some pleasant surprises!