Mikra Thira - Assyrtiko 'Santorini' 2023

Mikra Thira is the first winery built on Therassia, a small island with raw beauty. It is located in the Cyclades right across Santorini of which it got detached by the great volcanic eruption of the 17^th century BC.

Special in its own right, Therassia possesses its own microclimate. The terroir of Therassia shares similarities with Santorini's which has proven to guarantee the quality of some of Greece's most authentic wines. The volcanic soil, the ungrafted vines and the relentless winds that blow across this very arid terrain constitute a unique terroir.

At the same time, the traditional ‘kouloura' or wreath-like basket-shaped vine pruning method that is applied on both islands is considered unique in the world. But what makes Therassia even more special is this tiny island's unspoiled, almost virgin nature. The land shows only minimal signs of human intervention and it offers a wealth of natural riches to whomever is careful to cultivate it with discipline and measuredly.

The vineyards of Mikra Thira are situated on both Therassia and Santorini, in different sub-regions. The ungrafted vines, most of them being over 80 years old, are low yielding and almost exclusively planted with the famed Santorni white variety, Assyrtiko. Alongside, the indigenous Aidani and Mavrotragano and Aegean varieties Mandilaria and Athiri are cultivated too. They are grown organically with special care and great attention to detail.

This wine is produced from the famed white indigenous Assyrtiko variety. The grapes are exclusively grown in Santorini using the traditional ‘kouloura’ method with a low grape yield per hectare.

The wine is made using classic white wine vinification method. It is fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks at around 18°C followed by 4 months of lees contact to enhance structure and body.

This dry white has a bright lemony colour with greenish tinges. The nose is dominated by aromas of herbs, stony citrus and tropical fruits such as lychee and mango, all harmoniously interlaced with minerality typical for the grape variety.

On the palate, it tastes rich, becoming mouth-filling with the same fruit flavours and an intensely mineral core with a pleasant hint of saltiness. Its length is magnificent and well balanced by freshness.

Producer: Mikra Thira 

Country: Greece

Region: Aegean

Varietal: Assyrtiko

Appellation: Santorini

Vintage: 2023

Size: 750ml