Santowines IRINI 2018

Santowines IRINI 2018

Colour: White
Style: Dry
Wine region: Santorini
Grape variety: 100% Assyrtiko
Vintage: 2018
Quality classification: Protected Designation of Origin Santorini
Alcohol percentage: 13.8 %vol
Closure: Cork
Unit Quantity: 750ml
Ageing potential: Up to 8-10 years

Wine maker’s notes

IRINI was the first label for a bottled PDO Santorini wine of SantoWines in the early 1980s. Today, Santo revives this name for the most exceptional wine that was ever produced on Santorini island.

Handpicked Assyrtiko from the vineyard located in Fira, the busy capital of Santorini that despite its cosmopolitan vibe and its modern character, dedicated farmers still preserve vineyards cultivated in the traditional way. The name of the vineyards is Aspra Chomata (White land), a name given to describe the soil that is dry and has a dominant grey-white color due to the pumice and the volcanic ash. Vine age is over 80-90 years old with many vines over 130 years old. It is east facing site hence avoids the strong afternoon sun. Alcohol levels are usually lower than Pyrgos and Imerovigli vineyards.

Skin contact for 8 hours. The free-run juice starts to ferment with the use of organic yeast, in stainless steel tanks. Before the middle of the fermentation is transferred into oak barrels that for the last 10 years were used for Vinsanto aging. Frequent battonage and aging for 18 months before bottling.

A 10-year-old barrel has little to give to the wine in terms of aromas and taste deriving from the wood. However, an old barrel that was used to age Vinsanto adds to the development of the wine’s character and enhances its aromatic bouquet, its taste, and its texture. The oak barrels absorb Vinsanto wine during the long aging that releases during Irini fermentation and aging. This small amount of Vinsanto interacts with Irini then adding herbal and dried fruit notes. The silky sweet almost viscosity ( thickness) is partially another Vinsanto barrel attribute. Irini has no oaky character and despite its age, it looks and feels younger. It is a unique wine that stands out for its complex, multi-dimensional character.

It reveals a deep lemon color with golden hues. On the nose, it feels very youthful with aromas of ripe yellow lemon, dried honey, chamomile, sage and coriander with suggestions of white and black pepper, toffee and vanillin.

On the palate, Irini is full-bodied and ripe with amazing viscosity that caresses the palate. The oily, silky texture is balanced by the well-integrated acidity that adds freshness and structure. Flavors of lime, yellow lemon, lemon tart, dried orange peel and dried yellow flower open to reveal layers of dried apricot, spice, and butter with just a hint of creamy oak.
Although fully concentrated and arguably big wine it feels balanced and harmonious.

It compliments rich salads and yellow cheeses but will be unbeatable with barbecued rich fish like sea bream and white meats. Best served at 10-12 °C.

Tip: The shipping cost per bottle drops significantly the more bottles you buy. Join forces with friends and family to buy more bottles and bring the cost down.

Important notes:
-It is an offense to purchase or attempt to purchase alcoholic liquor if you are under the age of 18

-The price includes safe packaging cost

About SantoWines

The Union of Santorini Cooperatives, SantoWines was founded in 1947. Today, it consists of the largest organization of the island representing all the cultivators and counting 1.200 active members. SantoWines is committed to safeguarding the local traditional cultivations, producing the highest quality Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) Santorini wines and products as well as promoting sustainable agriculture development.

SantoWines’ R&D invests in the ongoing development of cultivation and vinification techniques, while it aims at the preservation of the biodiversity through the operation of a nursery of autochthonous varieties, a solid base for study and trial cultivation of local grapes.

The traditional cultivations of the farmers-members of our cooperative, guarantee the authenticity and the premium quality of our products.

The promotion of all Santorini products is the most important mission of the Cooperative. PDO Santorini wines, PDO Santorini Tomato, PDO Santorini Fava, capers, caper leaves, as well as local sweet preserves, like tomato or Koufeto belong to the wide range of the Santo products of pure Santorini taste that is available for everyone to enjoy!