Page 56 - ANDRONIS_2020

Lifestyle

ESTATE ARGYROS

A Living Legacy

A n c ie n t gr a p e v a r ie t ie s , fo u r g e n e r at io n s

in w in e m a k in g a n d 2 0 0 - y ea r - o l d v in e s s ea l
t h e bo t t l e s o f t h is d is t i n g u is h ed e s t a te .

Top from left: The Vinsanto 12 years barrel aged carries flavours of raisins, figs and butterscotch.Estate Argyros,
Episkopi Gonia. Bottom from left: The “kouloura” is a unique vine-growing method used on Santorini to protect the vine from the wind.
Wine aging barrels at Argyros Estate.
Boasting a history that spreads over three ANCIENT GRAPES ON OLD VINES
millennia, wine is not just a buzzword on Santorini. Part of what makes them unique are the grape varieties
Matthew Argyros knows this well, himself part of the themselves. Across 120 hectares of vineyards with
fourth generation of his family to work the vines. At 80-year old phylloxera plants, Estate Argyros cultivate
the helm of award-winning Argyros Estate, he runs a white Assyrtiko, Aidani, and Athiri grapes as well as
boutique winery, investing in some of the oldest vines red Mavrotragano – all indigenous Santorini varieties.
on the island, traditional cultivation techniques, and They are blended to produce wines that enjoy Protected
ancient grape varieties. Destination of Origin status, including Santorini, Nykteri
Santorini is said by aficionados to be the oldest and the illustrious Vinsanto. Argyros wines include the
vineyard in Europe. Family businesses like Argyros white Argyros Santorini, twice awarded the Regional
Estate, founded in 1903, are living proof of this Trophy at Decanter Awards, Estate Argyros Assyrtiko,
legacy, strengthened by the island’s unique terroir which has scored an outstanding 95/100 Robert Parker
and techniques that took centuries to develop. points, as well as Oak Fermented and Mavrotragano.
Adding to the range are naturally sweet aged wines
including the Visanto 20 years barrel aged, the first Greek
A BLESSED DESERT BECOMES ITS OWN OASIS wine to score a perfect 100/100 from Wine and Spirits
Wandering the stunningly rocky Santorini with its magazine.
cliff-edges, black soil and red beaches, many are taken
aback when they come upon fields upon fields of vines A BLOSSOMING MED WINE HUB
planted in a circle close to the ground. They are the Full of confidence in their products, Estate Argyros
famed “kouloures”, which allow grapes to grow on haven’t hesitated to open their doors to the public,
this seemingly unfertile land, whose high acidity and providing on-site tours and tastings. It is the contribution
low pH instils unique flavour into the grapes. The and innovative ethos of Santorini’s wine masters that
Estate Argyros team plough the land with mules, has earned the island a spot on the global wine map. At
hand-prune vines, hand-pick grapes and forbid the the village of Episkopi Gonia, the Estate Argyros team
use of all pesticides, all to produce organic wines of smile, wipe the sweat from their foreheads, and get back
exceptional quality. to working on the land. •

ANDRONIS • Magazine • 57