Vassaltis Plethora Assyrtiko 2020

Grape: Assyrtiko
Vintage: 2020
Type: White

This white wine is 100% assyrtiko from Santorini, made in what Vassaltis founder Yannis Valambous calls an old traditional way. Very ripe grapes are fermented dry and aged for 9 months in neutral barrels that once held Vinsanto, left deliberately without topping up. The air in the barrels gives it a gentle oxidative character. It is bottled at a powerful 15% alcohol.

It pours a deep golden yellow, opening with dried apricot, honey, and toasted nuts. On the palate, the full-bodied frame balances rich, ripe fruit with a firm, saline backbone. Caramel, dried herbs, and volcanic stone sit underneath. Assyrtiko's trademark acidity keeps the weight in balance. It finishes long, dry, and warming.