Santorini Avantis State 2012

Santorini is a paradise island which, to those in the wine world, is known for its quality wine, especially its Vin Santo di Santorini, a truly spectacular sweet wine.  Following the volcanic eruption 3,600 years ago, which covered the island in lava, ash and rocks, there emerged perfect conditions for producing a wine, unlike any other..

The winery, designed in traditional Lilantium style, was founded in 1936.  Avantis is the old name of the first Greek tribe to settle in Euboea in 2000 B.C.  The winery’s Avantis Dryos wine was the first Greek wine to feature in the Guinness Book of Records (1998 edition) for the 1,500 different label designs created for an equivalent number of wine bottles.

Appearance

Pale golden yellow colour.

Nose

We find dried citrus notes, such as lemon and ripe grapefruit, combined with other, more fleshy fruit.  Pronounced mineral backdrop.

Palate

Loads of character, showing a slight prickle of gas due to the volcanic nature of the soil. Sharp acidity with pronounced saline notes on the palate. Very fresh, citric finish.

Comment

Avantis State produces its Santorini in stainless steel, without any exposure to wood, in order to obtain a fresh wine that preserves the characteristics of the grape and transmits concentrated minerality.   This 2012 certainly displays the typical characteristics of a Santorini.  Extremely refreshing, with a distinct first impression of citrus, the pure lemon is accentuated by its acidity, amazing when you consider it comes from a hot island.  The wine takes us back to its origin - idyllic, glamorous Santorini.  It is a very refreshing, saline wine which should be served at a low, but not excessively low, temperature. With its electric acidity, we predict it will age very well.

Recommended with a tropical pineapple and seafood salad, seasoned with a few drops of lemon.