Estate Argyros Santorini
Cuvee Monsignori Assyrtiko
Santorini, Aegean, Greece
Sniffing upon opening, this had me jumping for joy – and I’m not exaggerating. What an introduction! I immediately chose to decant the wine, although in hindsight I don’t think that’s really necessary. The ‘Cuvee Monsignori’, one of the flagship wines from Estate Argyros in Santorini, is 100% Assyrtiko from ancient (~200 year old) vines, the minimal yield of which is then fermented in stainless steel, and aged for ten months on its lees. The island was never affected by phylloxera, hence the vines’ great age. It’s a muscular, chiseled, lean wine with the precision of the very best Chablis and impeccable concentration of fruit. It carries the smoke of the island’s volcanic soils (this is no floral language: it really smells of it), beautiful flinty reduction, depth and harmony on the palate and a long, saline finish. It may count among the world’s finest whites, and all for around £30 (if you can find it). Why didn’t I buy this by the case? I’ll never know. Superb.
Sniffing upon opening, this had me jumping for joy – and I’m not exaggerating. What an introduction! I immediately chose to decant the wine, although in hindsight I don’t think that’s really necessary. The ‘Cuvee Monsignori’, one of the flagship wines from Estate Argyros in Santorini, is 100% Assyrtiko from ancient (~200 year old) vines, the minimal yield of which is then fermented in stainless steel, and aged for ten months on its lees. The island was never affected by phylloxera, hence the vines’ great age. It’s a muscular, chiseled, lean wine with the precision of the very best Chablis and impeccable concentration of fruit. It carries the smoke of the island’s volcanic soils (this is no floral language: it really smells of it), beautiful flinty reduction, depth and harmony on the palate and a long, saline finish. It may count among the world’s finest whites, and all for around £30 (if you can find it). Why didn’t I buy this by the case? I’ll never know. Superb.
Aug 4th, 2024
Popped and poured, no formal notes. The “Cuvee Monsignori” is made with fruits from some of the estates oldest vines; many well over 200 years old and (obviously) ungrafted. Beautifully layered tropical fruits, lime, wax, and minerals. While this was hugely complex, the biggest takeaway was the incredible texture and finish of this wine. It was rich, leesy and saline. A stunning example of Assyrtiko and perfect pairing with whole red snapper.
Popped and poured, no formal notes. The “Cuvee Monsignori” is made with fruits from some of the estates oldest vines; many well over 200 years old and (obviously) ungrafted. Beautifully layered tropical fruits, lime, wax, and minerals. While this was hugely complex, the biggest takeaway was the incredible texture and finish of this wine. It was rich, leesy and saline. A stunning example of Assyrtiko and perfect pairing with whole red snapper.
Sep 13th, 2023
Drinking much nicer now than 2019 at the estate.
Drinking much nicer now than 2019 at the estate.
Feb 17th, 2024
The volcanic soil and 300 year old vines come through with the most fabulous minerality. Bright full flavored and refreshing. Going perfectly with our calamari and octopus appetizers.
The volcanic soil and 300 year old vines come through with the most fabulous minerality. Bright full flavored and refreshing. Going perfectly with our calamari and octopus appetizers.
Oct 4th, 2021
Jean-Phillippe had this 4 years ago
Jean-Phillippe had this 4 years ago
Oct 27th, 2020