WINE ADVOCATE - 92 POINTS The number 34 refers to the centuries in which winemaking has been an active pursuit on the island of Santorini. The 2022 Santorini Assyrtiko Ancestral Vines 34 is made with vines 100-plus years old (from the villages of Fira, Pyrgos, Megalochori, Mesaria and Akrotiri), and there is a drawing of a basalt rock on the label in tribute to the volcanic soils. This wine is part of the estate's top-shelf Fine Selection, and annual production is 30,000 to 34,000 bottles. It ferments in stainless steel, but 20% of the production ages in a combination of amphorae, concrete and neutral barrel for three to six months. This wine shows a better sense of structure and richness, which makes a good sounding board for grapefruit, peach and salty sea tones.
With an annual production of 250,000 to 300,000 bottles, the Artemis Karamolegos Winery is among the largest wineries on the island. The family wine company was founded in 1952 by Artemis Karamolegos (the grandfather). His grandson, also named Artemis Karamolegos, created his own label in 2004 and founded this winery in Exo Gonia. In addition to the Artemis Karamolegos Winery portfolio, there is an entry-level line called Terra Nera. This estate boasts the best wine label designs on the island in my opinion. The packaging is eye-catching, modern and fresh. By Monica Larner. Published: Dec 19, 2024
100% Assyrtiko from very old vines. On the nose it's a volcano in a glass: crushed stones and a chalky-spicy nature reminiscent of a great Chablis, with wild flowers and citrus fruit in the background. On the palate there's grapefruit and tangerine too, with salinity and oyster shell complexity. Phenomenal wine, truly world class: wonderful to drink now or keep.
With an annual production of 250,000 to 300,000 bottles, the Artemis Karamolegos Winery is among the largest wineries on the island. The family wine company was founded in 1952 by Artemis Karamolegos (the grandfather). His grandson, also named Artemis Karamolegos, created his own label in 2004 and founded this winery in Exo Gonia. In addition to the Artemis Karamolegos Winery portfolio, there is an entry-level line called Terra Nera. This estate boasts the best wine label designs on the island in my opinion. The packaging is eye-catching, modern and fresh. By Monica Larner. Published: Dec 19, 2024
100% Assyrtiko from very old vines. On the nose it's a volcano in a glass: crushed stones and a chalky-spicy nature reminiscent of a great Chablis, with wild flowers and citrus fruit in the background. On the palate there's grapefruit and tangerine too, with salinity and oyster shell complexity. Phenomenal wine, truly world class: wonderful to drink now or keep.
