Gaia Wine 'Thalassitis' Assyrtiko 2022

Assyrtiko's spiritual homeland is undoubtedly the volcanic island of Santorini, on which the vine has survived for centuries, remaining resistant to the phylloxera pest, whilst the vast majority of Vitis Vinifera is wiped out globally. These vines are almost certainly the oldest in the world and deliver the purest expression of this increasingly expensive variety. Bone shiveringly dry, with an explosive minerality giving a wonderfully energetic base on which the classic flavour notes of lemon and salt sit. Zesty and floral with a steely, bracing freshness. Like a highly strung racehorse pushing at the starting gate, this wine is tense and electric. Ready, set, pop!

One of the pioneers of the modern Greek wine revolution Gaia Estate was established in 1994 by Greek winemakers Leon Karatsalos and Yiannis Paraskevopoulos. Operating from two different wineries in the important wine growing regions of Nemea and Santorini, they have earned a reputation for making cutting-edge wines. Gaia's main aim is to explore the boundaries and present the potential of the indigenous Greek grape varieties to wine enthusiasts worldwide.