Vassaltis Vineyards, Assyrtiko, Santorini, Greece, 2025

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
High and crispy acidity integrated into the rich body. The creamy texture is combined with the mineral, saline and ripe fruit character. The long finish adds depth to the wine.

94 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
This is the proverbial bread and butter wine by Vassaltis Vineyards, with 25,000 bottles created. The 2023 Santorini Assyrtiko is fermented in steel tank, with eight to 10 months on the lees in steel with frequent stirring. The grapes do not come from a specific site; however, old vines (60 years old and more from the island's typical sandy soils that are poor in nutrients) are given priority. It offers a fleshed-out mouthfeel with medium fruit weight and pretty aromas of summer peach, oat bread and sea salt. Proprietor Yannis Valambous says the idea is "to grow the body of the wine," and his emphasis is on mouthfeel. You feel those results in this vintage. (2023 Vintage)

Product size: 750ml