Gaia Wild Ferment Santorini PDO Assyrtiko 2019

Gaia Wines was founded in 1994 by Yiannis Paraskevopoulos, Agriculturist from AUT and PhD in Enology from the University of Bordeaux III, and Leon Karatsalos Agriculturist from AUT.

The carefully selected matured and qualitative Assyrtiko comes exclusively from the vineyard of Pyrgos, a fact that justifies its larger aromatic character, than that from other areas of the island. Like many vines on the islands, these Assyrtiko were trained in traditional Kouloura, “bird-nest” shape, to counter strong wind and extremely dry climate.

The fruits were hand-harvested and pressed in the traditional manner. After undergoing the 12-hour skin contact process at around 10^οC, the grape must is placed in small 1.000 litre INOX tanks and in new 225 liters French, American oak barrels and acacia barrels. The temperature is then allowed to rise naturally, without any further involvement. From that point on, modern technology passes the baton to traditional wine-making.

The wild yeast strains that prevail are the ones which eventually determine the wine’s character. In every tank and barrel something different occurs. After the end of the fermentation, we choose only those tanks and barrels which, according to our expertise, raise the Assyrtiko to new levels of enjoyment.

A special feature of most Assyrtiko from Santorini is that despite their white color they behave like red wines! Keep the wine for 2-3 years under proper cellar conditions and temperature 12^o-14^οC and it will undergo profound changes. Its mineral dimension will subside while the fruity and honey flavors will envelop its body.