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Santorini On My Mind

December 04, 2008 12:02 PM ET | Sue Guerra | Permanent Link

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I experienced quite a bit of Europe on a backpacking trip before the onset of adulthood. Alas, I never made it to Greece until last night, when I finally got my first taste of Santorini.

Santorini (named for the Greek Island where it is produced) is a white wine made from the Assyrtiko grape. The ancient Assyrtiko vines, which are trained in a coiled manner, hug the ground like little nests on the wind-swept slopes of the island, a dormant volcano.

The wine, in this case the Hatzidakis Santorini 2007, is intensely perfumed, dry, crisp, and laced with citrus and mineral flavors derived from the volcanic soils. It is the perfect accompaniment for seafood and lighter fare. One sip vicariously transported me to a mythical Atlantis.

Greek wines remain outside of the average wine consumer’s mind. Is it any wonder? The place names, producers, and ancient grape varieties are difficult to pronounce and nearly impossible to spell.

The next stop on my fantasy Aegean tour will be Nemea, a rich, plummy, spicy red wine made from the Agiorgitiko grape. Try saying that one three times fast!

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Tags: Wine | santorini | Agiorgitiko grape | Assyrtiko grape



Comments
Name pronounciation

The difficulty of the name pronounciation has been a long lasting excuse for "wine experts".
If you can pronounce "Gewurztraminer" and all the rest of the German and East European varietals, you can definetly say Agiorgitiko.
The Greek language is phonetic...what you see is what the sound is.
In any case, Greek wines are beeing noticed more and more in the international matkets. The great advantage is that due to EU laws, if you like a wine made with Assyrtiko grapes it can only be Greek and will never come from California or Australia.
So, enough with excuses, pick up a glass and
STIN IGIA MAS!!!

Posted by: Tasos Sengos, None | Dec 06, 2008 07:49:18 AM |

Sue,
I love reading your blog. Diana just forwarded me the link. Keep it coming. Hope you are well! Love, Katie

Posted by: Katie Bauer, None | Dec 05, 2008 12:21:41 PM |

Thanks!

Hi Katie,

I am so happy that you like the blog! Great to hear from you!

Sue

Posted by: Sue Guerra, None | Dec 05, 2008 16:10:59 PM |

Name Pronunciation

Hi Tasos,

Thanks for your comment. I should have ended the post by saying exactly what you are saying: That not being able to pronounce the names is no excuse for not trying them! The Greek wines that I have tried (and recommended to customers) would be wonderful pairing partners for any number of cuisines and there is a fascinating history behind them. Thanks too for the pronunciation guide.

Sue

Posted by: Sue Guerra, None | Dec 09, 2008 08:22:48 AM |