Art Space St. August Assyrtiko
Over the last couple years I’ve visited Greece once or twice a year. However, I have to make it to Santorini. The most famous of Greece’s islands definitely has a place on my bucket list but I am waiting for a convenient off-season time to visit. As much as I’d love to see the picturesque views most people associate with the island; what I really want to see are the vineyards. Assyrtiko is easily one of my favorite grapes. I very much want to pilgrimage to its home to visit producers large and small alike. Like Art Space Winery.
Art Space is a unique art gallery, museum, and winery tucked into the pumice rock caves of an old winery. In 1999, Antonis N. Argyros, son of SantoWines founder Nikolaos A. Argyros (speaking of large and small!), created Art Space to remind people of the history of wine and the craftsmanship winemakers bring to it.
In addition to being a museum and art gallery, Art Space is also a working winery producing boutique amounts of wine. Although Art Space Winery is small, this labor of love uses ultra modern technology to ensure that “quality” over “quantity” prevails.
Art Space St. August Assyrtiko 2014 Tasting Notes
A glowing straw color in the glass, the wine appeared very clear despite its lack of filtration. More aromatic than I expect with Assyrtiko, it burst with fruity, gently perfumed aromas of tropical fruit, citrus, banana, and sea spray.
Sparkling acidity heralded juicy citrus fruits of pomelo and lemon rind, delicate pear, and honey. Lively and light despite the whopping 14.5% abv, this lithe St. August Assyrtiko definitely proved Argyros’ quest for quality.