Santorini
EAES
Region: Greece, Santorini, Pyrgos
Grape variety: Assyrtiko
Background: Evdemon is the super cuvée of the Estate from only two vineyards in the areas of Pyrgos and Megalochori that are cultivated with biodynamic methods. Fermented in 80% stainless steel tanks and the rest in old 500 litre barrels that give volume and complexity to the wine.
Tasting notes: Rich and full-bodied with almost tropical fruit that ties in harmoniously with the distinctive smoky character of the great wines of Santorini. A wine of experience and emotion for those who want to explore and better understand what Assyrtiko can give.
Awards: 93 Points - Tim Atkins: "Opens complex, concentrated, and brooding, humming with quiet power. Sea salt and iodine are on the foreground, supplemented by a green, herbal character. Continues with a rich, opulent palate, which is balanced by the trademark Assyrtiko acidity. Finishes long and fresh"
EAMS
Region: Greece, Santorini
Grape variety: Assyrtiko
Background: Santorini Cuvee Monsignori of Argyros Estate is perhaps the most emblematic expression of Santorini. Its special name is not accidental as Monsignori used to say the old vineyards on the island. Cuvee Monsignori comes from the oldest vineyard in Santorini, that of Episkopi village.
Tasting notes: It has pale lemon green colour and complex aromas of lemon, grapefruit, orange peel, green apple, honey, and peach, against a background of minerality. Rich mouth with tremendous concentration, sharp acidity, and full body.
"The Cuvee Monsignori 2020 is praised for its present excellence and longevity, hinting at the latent potential of Santorini, "In the photo-finish, I went with Monsignori 2020... That two of these labels also feature as 'Discoveries of the Year' shows just how much potential there is still for Santorini."
EANS
Region: Greece, Santorini
Grape variety: Assyrtiko
Background: The Estate Argyros’ construal of an old, distinctive Santorinian style. A very strict selection of very old Assyrtiko vineyards, at least 150 year old, in Pyrgos and Megalochori, harvested at deep ripeness, usually twenty days after the main picking date. Fermented, partially uninoculated, in French oak barriques, at ambient temperatures and aged for twelve months in French oak barriques on fine lees and then approximately twelve additional months in stainless steel, again on fine lees. A wine of imposing proportions, of power but showing no hint of roughness. It needs several years in bottle to grow out of its youth and will unfurl for more than fifteen years.
Tasting notes: Golden yellow colour in the glass. In the aromatic characteristics we find citrus, stone and green fruits, sage, charming aromas of flint stone and notes of minerality, with nuts to follow. On the palate it is rich and complex, with the minerality and a slight saltiness being evident throughout. The body is full, with a characteristic sharp acidity and a persistent aftertaste that lasts.
Stunning expression of Santorini, where its aroma, although still quite fresh, is at the same time elegant and complex, with fresh citrus fruits, citrus peel, ripe white fruits and aromas that resemble stone and betray the terroir. Its taste is rich, with the characteristic sharp acidity and long aftertaste where it leaves a beautiful sense of saltiness.
Awards: 95 Points - Tim Atkins: "A remarkably broad, complex, persistent, and yet very refined nose. The aromatic profile is typical of Argyros: there is the combination of lemon, lime, and salt, promising high but elegantly rendered acidity. But there is also a kernel of sweeter aromas in the background, characteristic of traditional Nykteri: mandarin, orange peel, and bergamot. The palate is a similarly impressive balancing act between tradition and modernity. The fullness and heft of Nykteri is delivered here via a clean, almost pristine texture, while the sweetness takes a back seat to some bracing, vitalising Assyrtiko acidity. And as an aside, I don’t think I have ever encountered a 15% wine that feels so light"
EAVFR
Region: Greece, Santorini
Grape variety: Assyrtiko, Arthiri & Aidani
Background: The youngest Vinsanto of Estate Argyros, demonstrating what youth is for such a wine. A strict selection of excessively old Assyrtiko, Aidani and Athiri vineyards in Episkopi, two hundred year old minimum, specifically earmarked for this style. Harvested at very deep ripeness, almost a month after the main picking date, giving insanely low yields. The grapes are sun dried for ten days, natural fermentation and three years of ageing takes place in old concrete vats, with additional aging for four years in old wooden vats.
Tasting notes: A luscious wine, with fruit at the forefront. Attractive caramel colour. Good aromatic intensity, with complexity. Dried apricots, peel bergamot, nuts and grains are being distinguished. Easy to drink, with a good ratio of sweetness - acidity and notes of honey and dried yellow fruits.
EAVLR
Region: Greece, Santorini
Grape variety: Assyrtiko, Arthiri & Aidani
Background: The grapes are sun-dried for fourteen days, natural fermentation and three years of aging take place in old concrete vats, with additional aging for sixteen years in old wooden vats.
Tasting notes: An intense, profound wine of breath-taking complexity. Ready to drink on release but time is unable to destroy this. The final yield of this would be close to 60 ml per square metre of the vineyard.
Food pairing: Enjoy it with nuts, dried fruits, and black chocolate, spicy and ripened cheeses.