A Volcanic Treasure

Wine overlooking Santorini, one of Greece’s most beautiful island

Santorini, one of Greece’s most beautiful islands, is renowned for its iconic views, crystal-clear waters, and breathtaking sunsets. Beyond its beauty, Santorini is also celebrated for its distinctive wines. Shaped by the island’s volcanic terroir and unique grape varieties, the wines of Santorini have become a favourite among wine enthusiasts. For those passionate about wine education, the wines of Santorini offer a fascinating case study in how geography and climate can influence wine production.

In this blog, we’ll explore Santorini’s wine scene, from its signature grape varieties to the island’s wine travel experiences, and the educational insights you can gain from these remarkable wines.

The Volcanic Terroir of Santorini

The wines of Santorini are shaped by its unique terroir—a term that refers to the environmental factors affecting a vineyard, including soil, climate, and topography. Santorini’s volcanic history has had a profound impact on its winemaking traditions, giving rise to some of the world’s most distinctive wines.

Santorini’s volcanic eruptions, especially the massive eruption around 1600 BCE, left behind mineral-rich soils that are essential to the island’s wine quality. These soils, composed of ash, pumice, and basalt, are low in organic material but rich in minerals, which create a unique environment for vine growth. The vines produce small, concentrated grapes with intense flavours, high acidity, and a distinctive minerality that defines Santorini wines.

Unique vine training method called kouloura — One of the most fascinating aspects of viticulture in Santorini is the unique vine training method called *kouloura*. whereby vines are woven into basket-like shapes close to the ground to protect the grapes from harsh winds and intense sun. This ancient technique not only showcases the ingenuity of Santorini’s winegrowers but also plays a critical role in the island’s wine quality.

Assyrtiko: Santorini’s Flagship Grape

If you’re familiar with wine tasting or have taken wine courses, you’ve likely heard of Assyrtiko, the star of Santorini’s wine scene. This white grape variety is indigenous to the island and is recognized for its high acidity, intense minerality, and citrus flavours. The island’s volcanic soils lend the wine a saline, flinty character, which makes it stand out from other white wines. Whether you’re new to wine learning or a seasoned professional, Assyrtiko offers a perfect example of how terroir can influence wine. Over time, these wines develop complex flavours of honey and nuts, making them perfect for aging.

While Assyrtiko is typically produced as a dry white wine, it’s also used to make Vinsanto, a sweet dessert wine made from sun-dried grapes. Vinsanto is known for its rich, amber colour and flavours of dried fruit, caramel, and spice. Both dry and sweet versions of Assyrtiko illustrating how one grape variety can produce a range of wine styles.

Other Grape Varieties in Santorini

Although Assyrtiko is Santorini’s most famous grape, there are other indigenous varieties that contribute to the island’s unique wine offerings:

Athiri: A white grape that is often blended with Assyrtiko to add softness and floral aromas. Athiri offers fruit-forward flavours that balance Assyrtiko’s high acidity, making it a great addition to the island’s wine portfolio.
Aidani: Known for its delicate aromas of white flowers and tropical fruits, Aidani is another white grape variety that is often used in blends with Assyrtiko.
Mavrotragano: This indigenous red grape produces bold, tannic wines with flavours of dark berries, spices, and earthy undertones. For those exploring red wine during wine travel to Santorini, Mavrotragano is a hidden gem worth discovering.

Wine Education: Learning Through Food Pairings

Learning about wine and food interactions in our WSET courses is a great way to understand how best to pair food and wine.

A crucial aspect of wine education is understanding how to pair wine with food. Santorini’s wines, particularly Assyrtiko, are incredibly versatile and pair well with a range of dishes. Here are some classic pairings that can enhance your wine tasting experience:

Assyrtiko and Seafood: The high acidity and mineral-driven character of Assyrtiko make it a natural pairing with fresh seafood, including oysters, grilled fish, and shrimp. The wine’s crisp, saline flavours complement the briny, oceanic notes of seafood, creating a harmonious pairing.
Vinsanto and Desserts: Vinsanto’s rich, sweet flavours pair beautifully with baklava, dried fruit tarts, or dark chocolate. Its dried fruit and caramel notes provide a delicious contrast to the sweetness of desserts.
Mavrotragano and Grilled Meats: For those who prefer red wines, Mavrotragano pairs well with grilled lamb or steak, offering bold flavours that complement the savoury richness of the meat.

Wine Travel: Exploring Santorini’s Wineries

If you’re passionate about wine travel, Santorini is an unforgettable destination. The island’s wineries offer incredible opportunities to deepen your wine knowledge while enjoying the stunning landscape.

Top Wineries to Visit in Santorini

Gaia Wines: This beachfront winery offers a modern take on Assyrtiko, with wines that reflect the island’s unique terroir. Enjoy a glass of wine while gazing at the Aegean Sea—a perfect blend of wine travel and relaxation.
Santo Wines: Perched on the caldera, Santo Wines is one of the largest wineries on the island and offers panoramic views of the volcanic landscape. Their guided tours provide a deeper look into Santorini’s winemaking traditions, making it an ideal stop for wine education.
Domaine Sigalas: Known for producing some of the finest Assyrtiko wines, Domaine Sigalas offers a more intimate tasting experience. Visitors can learn about the island’s indigenous grapes while sampling wines crafted with precision and care.

Santorini’s wines are a true reflection of the island’s volcanic history, unique climate, and dedication to traditional winemaking methods. For those pursuing a career in wine or anyone interested in expanding their wine education, Santorini provides an invaluable example of how terroir, grape variety, and tradition work together to create world-class wines.

By exploring the wines of Santorini, you not only deepen your understanding of wine but also gain insights into the relationship between the natural environment and the art of winemaking. Whether you’re sipping a glass of crisp Assyrtiko at home or planning a wine travel adventure to Santorini’s vineyards, these wines offer a rich learning experience for wine lovers at every stage.

The wines of Santorini are among the most distinctive in the world, offering a perfect blend of history, geography, and winemaking expertise. Whether you’re interested in expanding your wine tasting skills or taking your wine education to the next level, exploring the wines of Santorini is an adventure worth pursuing.

At Adventure in Wine, we specialize in virtual wine education, offering courses that delve into unique wine regions like Santorini. Whether you’re working toward a WSET certification or simply want to learn more about global wines, we’re here to guide you on your wine journey. Cheers to discovering Santorini’s volcanic wines!

The Unique Wines of Santorini