2022 Vassaltis Alcyone Barrel Aged Assyrtiko
Secondary Description
Santorini
Previously just called `Barrel-aged Assyrtiko`; Vassaltis have changed the name to reflect the fact that there`s a lot more nuance to the winemaking here than that name would suggest. The wine is fermented partially in large oak vats, partially in cement vats, then aged in 500l barrels with regular battonage (lees-stirring), then further aged in bottle prior to release. The result is an Assyrtiko with a waxy, preserved lemon character mingling with ripe stonefruit, fresh and very complex yet textural as well. A fascinating, delicious wine. (JH 01/08/2024)
Producer
Origin
Imerovigli, Santorini, Greece, Eastern Mediterranean, GREECE
Colour
white
Wine Style
dry
Dominant Grape
Assyrtiko
Closure Style
cork
Maturity
drink or keep
Bottle size
75cl
Case Quantity
6
Alcohol
14%
Score
94+ points, Monica Larner, robertparker.com, December 2024
Media Reviews
Monica Larner
This wine is named after Alcyone, daughter of Aeolus, god of the winds. She was converted into a bird and calmed the seas. The Vassaltis Vineyards 2022 Santorini Alcyone is 100% Assyrtiko from 80-year-old vines handpicked from three plots in Vourvoulos, Megalochori and Imerovigli. It is whole-cluster pressed and partially fermented in oak before returning to oak for lees aging. Whereas the Gramina seeks to highlight the verticality of the grape, this wine focuses on richness, structure and complexity. It leans toward a Burgundian style of white with floral aromas, fruit salad, persimmon and pastry cream. The finish is long and rich. Production is 5,000 bottles. 94+ points