{"product_id":"2024-anhydrous-afoura-santorini-assyrtiko","title":"2024 Anhydrous, `Afoura` Santorini Assyrtiko","description":"\u003cp class=\"MuiTypography-root accordion_paragraphSection__v26kt MuiTypography-body1\"\u003eOriginally founded in 2012 as Avantis Santorini, this dynamic Greek winery was renamed Anhydrous for the 2021 vintage. Anhydrous means ‘without water’ and references the brutal growing conditions on this beautiful island. This change was instigated by winemaker Apostolos Mountrichas, who craved a new challenge and reinvention. Hence, Anhydrous came to be. Today, Apostolos' winemaking philosophy is deeply rooted in experimenting with ancient techniques to produce modern wines that exhibit a sense of place.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MuiTypography-root accordion_paragraphSection__v26kt MuiTypography-body1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MuiTypography-root accordion_paragraphSection__v26kt MuiTypography-body1\"\u003eWithin the space of a decade, Apostolos has transformed Anhydrous into one of Santorini’s premier producers. He rents one hectare of vines and works with growers who farm an additional 40 hectares. They grow primarily Assyrtiko, ungrafted and trained in the traditional koulkoura (basket-shaped) system. This fabled native grape is supplemented with the indigenous varieties Athiri and Aidani, especially in Apostolos’ base wine ‘Santorini’. The island's average annual rainfall is about 550 millimetres, but only 37mm falls in the five months from May to September. The average yield from the poor volcanic soils is three tonnes per hectare, resulting in small quantities of exceptional fruit, which translates to just 40,000 bottles per year. In the winery, Apostolos ferments with indigenous yeasts using large traditional Afoura casks, clay amphorae, stainless steel tanks and cement eggs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MuiTypography-root accordion_paragraphSection__v26kt MuiTypography-body1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MuiTypography-root accordion_paragraphSection__v26kt MuiTypography-body1\"\u003eThe base wine, ‘Santorini’, is made from 90% Assyrtiko leavened with a blend of Athiri and Aidani, all fermented and aged in stainless steel to give a crisp, vibrant, steely wine. `Afoura` is their premium Santorini expression, sourced from the village of Pyrgos (which Apostolos regards as “the island’s premier cru”) and aged for 12 months in traditional Afoura barrels. It has an extra dimension compared to the ‘Santorini’, with a lovely texture alongside toasted nuts and citrus peel notes on the palate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MuiTypography-root accordion_paragraphSection__v26kt MuiTypography-body1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MuiTypography-root accordion_paragraphSection__v26kt MuiTypography-body1\"\u003e`Icon` is, as one might expect from the name, Anhydrous’ signature wine. Sourced from 60-year-old vines grown in Pyrgos, it is fermented and aged for nine months in concrete tanks. Tasting it is “like being caressed by an electrified silk handkerchief”, according to Peter Pharos in the Santorini Assyrtiko 2022 Report on Tim Atkin's website. Awarded the title of `Other Santorini wine of the Year` in Tim Atkin's 2023 report, across the orange, rosé, and red wines category, ‘St Nikolas’ is the latest addition to the Anhydrous range. This blend of old ungrafted Mavrotragano and Mandilaria has been praised as one of the finest expressions of its kind.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"MuiPaper-root MuiAccordion-root accordion_accordion__I9cut Mui-expanded MuiAccordion-rounded MuiPaper-elevation1 MuiPaper-rounded\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"MuiCollapse-root MuiCollapse-entered\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"MuiCollapse-wrapper\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"MuiCollapse-wrapperInner\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv role=\"region\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"MuiAccordionDetails-root\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-body1\"\u003eThis 100% Assyrtiko is made from vines grown in the hilltop village of Pyrgos, the highest and arguably most prestigious village for vineyards Santorini. Apostolos and Lenga work with selected growers who farm a top west-facing vineyard at an altitude of approximately 250 meters above sea level. Due to the sandy volcanic soils very poor in organic matter, the ungrafted vines are immune to Phylloxera. Water and nutrients are in limited supply in Santorini which in turn encourages the vines to develop a deep system of roots, resulting in characterful wines. The average yield is as low as 3 tonnes per hectare. Strong winds, intense heat and very little rainfall contribute to the extreme growing conditions on the island. To contrast the harsh climate, the vines are trained into the typical Santorini ‘basket’ trellis system, also known as ‘kouloura’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-body1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHand-harvested grapes were destemmed and stored in a cooling chamber for 24 hours before being gently pressed in a vertical hydraulic basket press. Alcoholic fermentation took place using indigenous yeasts in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks, at 18 degrees. At the end of fermentation, two thirds of the wine were transferred in Afoura barrels: 1000 litres oak foudres traditionally used in Santorini to age the fine wine. The remaining third of the wine was matured in clay amphorae. After 12 months of maturation, the wine was blended, filtered and bottled.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-body1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e`Afoura` Assyrtiko has a complex nose with aromas of flint, dried citrus peel, and a sweet bouquet of honey and bergamot. Maturation in Afouras and clay amphorae contributes layers of complexity and a savoury character. On the palate, this wine is firm and structured characterised by a crisp acidity and a long-lasting finish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Wine Tasting Adventure","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56239202140538,"sku":null,"price":35.49,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0527\/4297\/9770\/files\/AFOURA__250x500_25e65da5-626e-4780-bfb1-d4a05ef3e859.jpg?v=1764251627","url":"https:\/\/www.wine-ta.co.uk\/products\/2024-anhydrous-afoura-santorini-assyrtiko","provider":"Wine Tasting Adventure","version":"1.0","type":"link"}