Discover the captivating allure of Gaia Wines 'Wild Ferment' Assyrtiko from Santorini, a stellar example from one of Greece's most innovative producers. Gaia Wines has earned acclaim for pushing the boundaries of indigenous Greek grape varieties, and this Assyrtiko highlights the extraordinary potential of the Santorini terroir. The old, self-rooted vines, some over 80 years in age, grow in the island's unique volcanic soils, rich in minerals and untouched by phylloxera thanks to their sandy composition. The exceptional microclimate, shaped by long sunshine hours, cooling sea mists, and the moderating influence of the Aegean Sea, brings unparalleled freshness and vibrancy to the grapes.
Fermented with wild yeasts and aged on fine lees, 'Wild Ferment' is crafted using a combination of stainless steel, French and American oak, and acacia casks, alongside ceramic vats. This innovative approach promotes complexity and preserves the essence of the Assyrtiko grape, resulting in a wine with remarkable depth, saline elegance, and authentic island character.
Tasting Notes
Appearance:
In the glass, the wine boasts a luminous golden hue, echoing the sun-drenched vineyards of Santorini and inviting anticipation of its aromatic bouquet.
Nose:
The aromatic profile is highly complex and alluring, offering an immediate hit of citrus intertwined with floral notes - courtesy of acacia wood - followed by delicate layers of vanilla, toasty oak, and a subtle whiff of gun flint and smoke. The wild ferment technique amplifies the bouquet, bringing a funky, intriguing dimension and guaranteed interest from every swirl.
Palate:
On the palate, this Assyrtiko is classically dry with searing, laser-like precision. Saline minerality dominates, a true hallmark of Santorini's volcanic soils, while the texture is layered and complex thanks to wild ferment influences and lees ageing. Vibrant almond and acacia tones intermingle with gentle oak nuances, delivering a structured yet refreshingly tangy mouthfeel that is both incisive and textural.
Finish:
The finish is long, persistent, and savoury, defined by its signature salty complexity and a flourish of oak-wreathed minerality. A lingering memory of gun flint and acacia blossom ensures this is a wine not easily forgotten - each sip beckoning you back for another taste of Santorini's volcanic magic.