Vassaltis Vineyards, 'Gramina', Assyrtiko, Cuvee des Vignerons, Santorini, Greece, 2022 (CULT WINE OF SANTORINI)

Overview of the Wine

The 2010 Greek financial crisis may strike one as an incongruous time to begin a massive venture. And yet it was exactly this that prompted Yannis Valambous to give up his life as a successful economist in London and return to Greece. His love of wine drew him back to the island of Santorini, where he had spent many a happy family holiday as a child. Here, he embarked on an endeavour, part dream, part folly, to breathe new life into the vineyards he inherited from his father.

Looking out across the vines, Yannis saw the potential to create something truly exceptional and unique with the land his father left him. He desired to do more than simply make wine. He aspired to craft exquisite wines which showcase the quality of Santorini’s grapes while keeping the island’s winemaking tradition alive. 

To begin, he put together a winemaking team. First on the ground was Elias Roussakis followed by Yannis Papaeconomou. The three men were brought together by a shared vision: to prove that Santorini is capable of producing world-class wines and that the new generation of Greek winemakers, using their enthusiasm, skill, and winemaking artistry, are the ones to help bring these wines to an international audience of wine lovers. To that end, Yannis transformed a plot among the four hectares he inherited from his father into a thoroughly modern, state-of-the-art boutique winery. 

And so, in 2014, Vassaltis was born.

Winemaker
Yannis Papaeconomou

Grape / Blend
100% Assyrtiko

Origin
Santorini, Greece

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Gramina is, an astonishingly elegant wine that exhibits all the  unique characteristics of the variety. Salt, citrus, stonefruits, balancing acidity, primary fruit, structured and concentrated, full bodied, very long after-taste. This pairs well with all manner of grilled fish and seafood, roasted white meats, butter sauces, strong cheese, and even roasted lamb.

95 Points - Wine Advocate
Described as the "Cuvée des Vignerons" on the front label, the Vassaltis Vineyards 2022 Santorini Gramina represents a selection of fruit from plots in Vourvoulos just outside the winery. This area is found immediately off the rocky coast (at 60 meters in elevation) and measures two hectares. The vines are 80 years old on average. Assyrtiko grapes are harvested at night with 95 crates and pressed immediately with no cooling or sorting. It ferments with natural yeasts and remains in steel tank on the lees for one year. This is a beautiful white, with a waxy feel and rich primary fruit that recalls Golden Delicious apple, almond paste and poached pear. You can also count on those pretty saline mineral notes as well. Production is 5,500 bottles, and Gramina was first made in 2017.

91 Points - James Suckling
This assyrtiko has notes of sliced pears, mangoes, minerals and grapefruit on the nose. It’s full-bodied, creamy and flavorful, with excellent concentration. Drink now or hold.

Product size: 750ml