2015 Atlantis Argyros White Santorini

Argyros was founded in 1903 by Georgios Argyros in Episkopi Gonia Thiras on the volcanic island of Santorini. The vineyard has been passed on to the next generation, so that today it is the 4th generation that manages the vineyards and the cellars. It is one of the few true family-owned estates left on the island, which has become insanely popular in terms of wine over the last decade. Because of the popularity and hype, big Greek wine companies have vacuumed the island for vineyards. However, the Argyros family persists and believes that by keeping the vineyard in the family, the special Santorini touch is best preserved in the wine. Argyros owns vineyards with many old vines - some up to 150-years-old, which gives their wines a very special character. The soil on Santorini is quite different, having originated from the volcano of the same name, which happened in 1630 B.C. The colour of the soil leans towards grey and black and there are many stones and rocks. The last eruption was in 1950, but the only sign of volcanic activity today is the many hot springs around the island. The special nature of the soil also means that there has never been Phylloxera (wine lice) on Santorini, and therefore there are an incredible number of roots that are several hundred years old - new plants are then grafted onto the old Vitis Vinifera roots at appropriate intervals depending on how old you want the vines. This very special terroir and the very old vines help to give the Santorini wines a unique character, and this can be noticed, both by international critics and by sommeliers in the famous restaurants from London to New York. For example, Argyros Assyrtiko 2014 was named Regional Trophy Winner (the second highest award) in the Decanter World Wine Awards 2015. Argyros uses only local Greek grape varieties; the best known, Assytiko, is believed to come from Santorini - the Greeks are convinced of this, while another theory is that it may come from the former Mesopotamia (today Iraq) - others believe it may come from Jerez (Sherry) in Spain. Wherever the grape comes from, it does fantastically well in Greece, particularly on Santorini, where despite the heat it retains a high and intense acidity and freshness. Other local grapes are Athiri, Aidani, Mandilaria, Mavrathiro, Mavrotragano and Voudomato. Seeing vineyards in Santorini is quite an experience, as the trellising is quite special - kouloura or basket as it is called, and the vine is simply shaped like a basket or bird's nest very close to the ground. The trellising method is very old and traditional, but as it gives the grapes optimal protection from wind and sun, many stick to this type instead of building the more familiar trellises, which are seen in various forms in much of the rest of the world. This wine is a business card for Argyros and for Santorini for that matter - the Atlanti range is an appetiser. The wine is refreshing and delicious with its crisp citrus expression that will be the perfect "cooling off" on a hot summer day.