Anhydrous 'Icon' Assyrtiko 2023
The 'Icon' Assyrtiko is the signature wine of Anhydrous produced in very limited quantities. The fruit for this wine is sourced from 60-year-old vines grown in Pyrgos, the highest and arguably most prestigious village for vineyards in 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’. At the winery, the hand-harvested grapes were destemmed and stored in a cooling chamber for 24 hours before being gently pressed in a vertical hydraulic basket press. After fermentation the wine was transferred to cement eggs. During nine months of maturation an internal vortex spontaneously generated within the tank to create a continuous movement of fine lees, simulating a natural bâtonnage. After maturation, the wine was filtered and bottled. This signature Assyrtiko displays pronounced aromas of nectarines, apricots, and lemon blossom. `Icon` is also an authentic expression of its volcanic soil and translates the sea breezes into a pronounce saline character. The same complexity shines through on the palate with its medium body, sharp acidity and intense minerality.
