Artemis Karamolegos Santorini Kouloura 2023

Drink it now. No need to decant. Established in 1952, the Artemis Karamolegos winery produces wines from indigenous grape varieties such as Assyrtiko, Aidani, Athyri, and Mavrotragano on the island of Santorini. Here the characteristic microclimate and the volcanic calcareous soil create environmental conditions in which only some local varieties manage to survive. This wine is a blend of 90% Assyrtiko, 10% Athiri, Aidani. The grapes are selected from old vineyards in different parts of the island, especially Pyrgos, Exo Gonia, Megalochori, and to a lesser extent from Akrotiri, Emporio, and Fira. After the harvest, the different grapes are treated separately. They are first subjected to cold maceration and then fermented in separate steel tanks at a controlled temperature. The final blend is decided based on the profile of each vintage and matures on the lees for at least 5 months. The wine has a refined character with a complex aromatic profile dominated by stone fruit and citrus notes combined with mineral, jasmine, and herbaceous floral aromas which are characteristic of Athiri and Aidani grapes. It is fresh and lively, but also dense and elegant with a good intensity of fruit and a persistent aftertaste. It is the ideal wine to serve with a fish carpaccio, shrimps, octopus, or squid or with some of the Greek vegetarian specialties.

Price: £25.49 from 8wines UK