Gai'a - Thalassitis Santorini Assyrtiko 2024
Old vines and low yields are two important factors giving this wine it's fantastic intensity and complexity.
Gai’a Estate (pronounced Yay-ya), founded in 1994 by Leon Karatsalos and winemaker Yiannis Paraskevopoulos, is recognized as one of the pioneers of Greece’s modern wine renaissance. Their vision has always been to highlight the potential of indigenous Greek varieties by combining traditional viticulture with contemporary winemaking practices. The estate takes its name from “Mother Earth,” a nod to the terroirs that define their wines, including the volcanic landscapes of Santorini where Assyrtiko thrives.
Their flagship white, Thalassitis, is crafted entirely from Assyrtiko sourced from three nearly 80-year-old vineyards in Episkopi, Akrotiri, and Pyrgos—some of the most celebrated sites on Santorini. With yields of just 25 hl/ha, the concentration of fruit in this wine is remarkable. It's a bone-dry wine of intensity, vibrancy, and mineral complexity. Structured and full-bodied, with crisp acidity and the capacity to evolve for several years.
