Who makes it?

Gaia Wild Ferment Assyrtiko is one that delivers the complete Santorini package.  A wine to sit back and watch the world go by with or to enjoy with some fresh grilled seafood or chicken. Preferably with a stunning water view wherever you are!

Gaia Wines have a splendid range of wines from both Nemea on the Peloponnese peninsula and the island of Santorini. Unsurprisingly, their Santorini wines are all studies of Assyrtiko. A grape variety that should be on every winelovers lips. They even have a version fermented in clay. Reminiscent of traditional amphorae wine making techniques.

How do they make it?

The Assyrtiko grapes have been grown in the traditional ‘kouloura’, or basket, shape to protect it from the winds and the intensity of the sun in the porous pumice soils. The old vines used to produce this wine have survived the extreme heat waves that hit the vineyards. The vines are over 70 years old.

That ‘wild ferment’ that the label refers to means the winemaker uses wild yeast. This refers to the ambient yeast in the winery and already on the grapes as the grapes come in to be made into wine. Additionally, this wine undergoes a partial barrel ferment in French and American oak barrels and acacia barrels that gives this Gaia wine the spicy pastry and honey notes. 

What does it taste like?

The palate articulates this wild ferment further with a subtle but faceted savoury toastiness. Plus a warm ginger spiciness to that citrus driven fruit. The ripeness in this Assyrtiko shines through the underlying tropical fruit and peach hints. 

As you can gather by now, this wine is rather complex. Not only does this wine offer a mouth full of intense flavour, it backs it up with a fresh, lush silky texture. That texture is bolstered by a slight tannin grip.

It might need some time to open up and breathe, but the rewards will be plenty.

To read a review about a previous vintage, please click here.

What to drink it with?

The obvious choice for this wine is grilled seafood. The Gaia Wild Ferment Assyrtiko is made for it. Nutty grilled scallops, with a sprinkle of refreshing herbs. Or a roast chicken or even a roasted turkey breast if you are careful with the sauce and trimmings.

Cheese

While this wine would go quite well with a washed rind bloomy cheese, it would also be a good match for a pecorino or Manchego.

Quickie review « Lush, fresh & generously giving of a layered performance. Seriously good if you take the time to appreciate it. »

Country of Origin:  Santorini, Greece
Tasting Date: August 2024
Price:  UK £40 | €34 | US$ 40++ | AU$80
Drink: now – 3 years 
Needs food: no
Source: tasting

If you like white wines that offer that little bit extra, why not check out:
Llopart Clos del Fossils
Pierro Chardonnay
Gomez Cruzado Rioja Blanco 2 Ano

To read more about Assyrtiko, please read ‘Why you should be drinking Assyrtiko’. 
To read more about Greek wine grapes, please read Knowing your Moschofilero and Malagousia from your Mavrodaphne.

If you like Assyrtiko wines, why not check out:
Zacharias Assyrtiko
Jim Barry Assyrtiko

Visit gaiawines for more.