When my wine travels last spring took me to Domaine Sigalas in the northern part of Santorini I had come to advance my understanding of Greece's indigenous grape variety Assyrtiko (A seer' tec ko). Assyrtiko is indigenous to Santorini, and arguably Greece's most iconic white wine grape variety. Domaine Sigalas specializes in Assyrtiko wines. The wines produced from grapes grown on centuries old, basket trained vines.
Exploring Santorini with Winelover Friends © Spaswinefood
Wherever our travels took us in Santorini we saw grapevines thriving despite the island's windy conditions.
Grapevines and Windmills, Santorini © Spaswinefood
Soon we arrived at Domaine Sigalas winery there on the Oia plains. The wine estate cover 40 hectares, with their vineyards cultivated in a sustainable manner.
Domaine Sigalas
When we arrived at Domaine Sigalas parking lot the vineyards came into view.
The vineyard had some new vines. The new vines are irrigated until they are established.
Domaine Sigalas Wine Tasting
For sure I was impressed by my wine tasting at Domaine Sigalas. The winery's annual production is around 200,000 bottles. All of their wine varieties produced from Santorini and neighboring Cyclades are crafted with careful attention.
Wine Tasting, Domaine Sigalas © Spaswinefood
Domaine Sigalas offers a number of wine tasting options (Assyrtiko, Aidani, Athiri, Mandilaria and Mavrotragano). Since I had come primarily for the Assyrtkio wines they were the wines I selected to taste.
The four wines I tasted showed the amazing variation in Domaine Sigalas's Assyrtiko wines. For sometime now I have been learning about this grape's great diversity. Grown in the arid volcanic-ash-rich soil of Santorini and other Aegean islands, Assyrtiko is also found in other regions of Greece, planted as far north as Drama in Greek Macedonia. It is a versatile grape variety, from which wines can be made in a multitude of styles, from fresh, mineral driven white wines to rich, nutty dessert wines, known as Vinsanto. For sure the Domaine Sigalas tasting added to my appreciation of Assyrtiko.
Sigalas is well know for its award-winning labels that are available across Greece. It is also one of the most prominent exporters of Greek wines worldwide. Their wines are available in the US at Total Wines.
Late Afternoon, Domaine Sigalas © Spaswinefood
Off to Checkout the Vines
Exploring the Vineyard, Domaine Sigalas © Spaswinefood
After the tasting we were encouraged to visit the vineyard. Overall, one of the amazing discoveries for me was to see how Santorini grape growers have adapted to the growing conditions on the island by training their vines into baskets. Baskets are created by winding the canes into wall around the fruit, providing shelter from strong winds.
I had heard so much about these basket shaped wines I just had to check it out.
Top View Basket Shaped Assythiko Vines, Domaine Sigalas Vineyard © Spaswinefood
A Closer Look at the Basket Shaped Vines © Spaswinefood
I loved seeing the Koulouras up close. Kouloura is the name given to this traditional vine training system used in Santorini. The vines are wound into a basket shape at ground level. This protects the vines from the island's strong winds, and preserves the humidity. For a newbie, there is nothing like a walkabout in a Santorini vineyard.
While in North Greece I was fortunate to visit Kir-Yianni, which acquired Santorini's Sigalas in 2020. Paris Sigalas remains as winemaker and on the board, with Stellios Boutaris as CEO. Clearly the future of Domaine Sigalas, under the direction of Stellios, will be exciting to watch.
Santorini's Uniqueness
Santorini, regarded as the most famous of all Greek islands, is also one of the top tourist destinations in the world. The amazing caldera formed by the volcanic eruption centuries ago, has resulted in the most stunning sea views a human eye can ever see. Fortunately, we had come at the end of May, just before the start of the peak tourist season, June through September.
Beginning of the Tourist Season, Santorini © Spaswinefood
While in Santorini I took advantage of the early mornings to explore Fira.
Late May, Santorini © Spaswinefood
Assyrtiko was a must on my wine travel list. For sometime now I wanted to learn more about this wine with great diversity. Yes, I know Santorini is drop dead gorgeous! Still how can you not check out its wines, especially Assyrtiko. While grapevines and windmills dot the landscape let's not forget the quintessential Santorini. There is an essence of blue everywhere. We did manage to do a sunset cruise the day before leaving. Many of the tour companies were just starting the tourist season that weekend. The end of May is when the tourist start to invade the island.
When I left with Santorini, I took with me not only appreciation for its wines but also, deep memories of the quintessential colors of Santorini.
Quintessential Colors of Santorini © Spaswinefood
Santorini's quintessential colors dot the landscape. This adds to the island's charm. Just add some Santorini Assytiko to that list and it is pure nirvana!
Domaine Sigalas, Santorini is a must on a wine traveler's list. Santorini and Assyrtiko shared with friends spells nirvana! There is so much I have come to appreciate about Greek wines. This is definitely the case of Santorini's Assyrtiko. Each visit to Greece I am more, and more impressed by Greek wines, produced from both indigenous and international grape varieties. Now is the time to explore Greek Wines! I invite you to join me in my wine adventures in Greece at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon and at Spaswinefood on Twitter and Facebook.
CHEERS!
Welcome to Santorini, Greece © Spaswinefood
Majestic Santorini © Spaswinefood
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