2023 Gaia Wines Ammonite, Assyrtiko, Santorini PDO
EDKA RATING: 96
| Standard Price | Membership Price | Mix 6 or more |
|---|---|---|
| £94.00 | £66.00 | £80.00 |
Our advantages:
Description
Rich, powerful, and austere yet deliciously smooth, with zesty citrus and smoky flint balanced by refreshing acidity and a long, mineral finish.
About the Winery: Established in 1994 by winemakers Leon Karatsalos and Yiannis Paraskevopoulos, Gaia Wines is one of the leading pioneers of the modern Greek wine revolution. With two wineries located in Nemea and Santorini, Gaia has built a global reputation for crafting expressive, terroir-driven wines that showcase Greeceof indigenous varieties. Their mission is to explore the boundaries of Greek viticulture and reveal the full potential of native grapes like Assyrtiko and Agiorgitiko to wine lovers worldwide.
Grape Variety: 100% Assyrtiko from the Thalassina vineyard in Megalohori, Santorini, located at the islandof highest point. The ancient, self-rooted vinesâover 300 years old are trained in the traditional *Kouloura* basket system, which shelters grapes from fierce winds and intense sunlight. Grown on volcanic ash and pumice soils, these ungrafted vines yield tiny quantities of intensely concentrated fruit, hand-harvested for purity and precision.
Appearance: Pale gold with silver reflections, indicating brightness and purity.
Aroma: Expressive and complex with layers of lemon zest, grapefruit, and sea breeze interwoven with smoky flint, wild herbs, and saline minerality.
Palate: Textural and powerful, revealing citrus and stone fruit flavours supported by vibrant acidity and a taut mineral backbone. Aged for 15 months on fine lees (seven months with baonnage, eight months *sur lie*), the wine achieves both richness and precision, with subtle oak nuances from 8% ageing in second-use French barrels. Long and saline on the finish, this wine exemplifies Santoriniof volcanic terroir.
Body: Full-bodied, dense, and textured with mineral drive.
Acidity: Refreshing, structured, and persistent, delivering remarkable balance.
Cellaring Potential: Drink now for its vibrancy or cellar for 8-10 years to develop smoky, nutty complexity and deeper texture.
Perfect Pairing: Ideal with grilled lobster, lemon-butter sole, or octopus with fava puree and olive oil.
Serving Temperature: Serve at 10-12°C to enhance minerality and aromatic precision.
Contains sulphites. Information provided to the best of our knowledge at time of publication and subject to change by vintage.