2024 Alexakis Assyrtiko

100% Assyrtiko, the great grape of Santorini- but coming from the island of Crete- Heraklion to be specific.  High elevation, north west facing steep slopes, and soil composition create a mild, Aegean-island climate. Vines are planted on sandy clay soils and see cold winters, hot sunny summers and cool northwesterly winds from the Aegean Sea create great growing conditions. Fully destemmed and then transferred into stainless steel tanks. Maceration lasts for about 8 hours. Only free-run juice is cold-settled and fermented in tanks at controlled temperatures. 13.5% alcohol. 

Incredibly refreshing but serious at the same time. It opens beautifully in the glass after a few swirls and add it rewards with flinty and citrus zest notes, accompanied by a smoky character. The lean, super fresh acidity is merged harmoniously with a creamy body showing elegant biscuit undertones.

Founded in the 1970s by Stelios Alexakis, the Alexakis winery is the single most important wine producer on the island of Crete. The winery is a family affair. Stellios, a chemical engineer turned winemaker, is still in charge of the winery with his wife Sofia who is responsible for quality control. Children Apostolos and Lazaros, who literally grew up in the winery, join their father as winemakers and are now responsible for the planning and production, successfully transferring the valuable knowledge and insight of their parents.

The Alexakis wines draw on a deep understanding of the vineyards of Crete (varieties, soil, local weather conditions and viticulture); long years of collaboration have allowed the company to choose the most suitable vineyards and the best growers, to produce the highest quality wines on Crete.