Assyrtiko

Assyrtiko – The noble grape variety from Santorini

Assyrtiko is one of the most fascinating and finest white wine varieties in Greece. It originates from the Cycladic island of Santorini, where the vines thrive in extreme climatic conditions on volcanic soils. Thanks to its high acidity, pronounced minerality and dry, fresh style, Assyrtiko is a grape variety that is often compared to fine French white wines.

Assyrtiko is now grown not only on Santorini, but also in other Greek regions such as Macedonia, Attica and Thessaly. Its style varies depending on its origin:

Assyrtiko from Santorini: Dry, mineral, with notes of citrus fruits, flint & salt.
Assyrtiko from Northern Greece: Slightly fruitier, with more tropical nuances & floral notes.
Assyrtiko matured in wooden barrels: Creamier, full-bodied with aromas of honey, vanilla & smoke.

Thanks to its fresh acidity, salty minerality and precise structure, Assyrtiko is an excellent accompaniment to fish, seafood, Mediterranean vegetable dishes and Greek specialties.

Which dishes go best with Assyrtiko? Here you’ll find the ideal food pairings for different Assyrtiko styles!

Assyrtiko & dishes – The best food pairings

Classic, mineral Assyrtiko (e.g. Santorini, Naxos, Paros)

Taste: Crisp acidity, salty minerality, citrus notes, fine herbal spice
Typical aromas: lemon, lime, green apple, flint, sea salt

Best food pairings:
Fish & seafood → Grilled octopus, roasted sea bass, oysters
Mediterranean vegetable dishes → Grilled zucchinis, fennel, artichokes
Greek specialties → Feta, grilled halloumi skewers, tzatziki

Recommended recipes:

Grilled squid with lemon and herb butter & winter vegetables
Pulp salad with capers, olives & fresh herbs

Fruity Assyrtiko with exotic nuances (e.g. northern Greece, Attica)

Taste: Soft, fruity, with subtle acidity
Typical aromas: peach, apricot, pineapple, white flowers

Best food pairings:
Light meat dishes with herbs → Lemon chicken, veal medallions with sage
Aromatic salads & bowls → Avocado and mango salad, quinoa with mint
Medium-strong cheeses → Feta, young pecorino

Recommended recipes:

Chicken breast with wild garlic risotto & roasted hazelnuts
Baked eggplants with tomatoes & feta crust

Barrel-aged, matured Assyrtiko (e.g. reserve wines, Assyrtiko from oak barrels)

Taste: Complex, creamy, subtle vanilla notes, long finish
Typical aromas: honey, vanilla, hazelnuts, smoke

Best food pairings:
Stronger fish dishes & seafood → Seared tuna, prawns in garlic
White meat with creamy sauces → Saddle of veal with mushroom cream sauce, pork fillet with mustard crust
Mature hard cheese & smoked specialties → Gruyère, smoked ricotta

Recommended recipes:

Fried cod with pea puree & caramelized onions
Risotto with scallops & saffron

Assyrtiko & food pairing at a glance

Assyrtiko style	Best food pairings
Mineral Assyrtiko (Santorini)	Fish, octopus, goat’s cheese, Mediterranean vegetable dishes
Fruity Assyrtiko (Northern Greece, Attica)	Lemon chicken, quinoa bowls, feta, fresh salads
Matured, barrel-aged Assyrtiko	Roasted tuna, veal medallions, Gruyère cheese

Tip: If you’re unsure, choose a classic Assyrtiko from Santorini – it goes perfectly with Mediterranean dishes & seafood!

Conclusion: Why Assyrtiko is a perfect accompaniment to food

Assyrtiko is the number 1 Greek white wine, ideal for Mediterranean dishes, fish dishes & seafood. Its salty minerality, crisp acidity & fresh citrus aromas make it an excellent companion for light, aromatic dishes.

Whether classic from Santorini or barrel-aged – Assyrtiko offers the perfect wine accompaniment for many dishes!