There’s Assyrtiko planted elsewhere in California too. The variety holds its acidity even in hotter climates so it seems like it should be a natural for the warmer parts of California.
I wrote about one of these plantings in 2018:
Visit to New Clairvaux Vineyard, May 2018
Brig, there is some volcanic soil in parts of Clements Hills AVA. Mokelumne River AVA is known for its deep sandy soil.
Hello, Adam. It’s a pleasure to meet you. I live in Sacramento, but grew up in Stockton and spent a lot of time in Lodi, with friends. I would like to meet you and learn more about your wines. I’ve practiced commercial law for 40+ years, but since 2017 minus Covid and tariff times), I have been involved in the importation of wines of Greece and Spain, as well as international air carriers’ wine tenders.
Cheers, Ari.
Have you tasted much Santorini Assyrtiko? If so, how does this compare? If terroir is a thing (I believe it is), Lodi Assyrtiko should taste different from Santorini Assyrtiko given differing climate and soils, even if the wines are vinified similarly.
As they say in Thailand “same same but different”
I mention the difference in post #8 but is pear flavored versus a more acidic lemon / citrus from Santorini.
Don’t buy it because it’s a Santorini-like wine. It’s a beautiful wine with varietal character and great complexity from a surprising AVA.
Anytime Ari! Harvest starts in about 10 days, so although I’m SoCal based, I’m up there or in Santa Barbara all the time during the next 3 months!
In honor of this thread, I had the 2022 Perlegos Assyrtiko yesterday. Very good wine, zesty, fresh, but with enough length and body to not just be a lemony summer white. 91pts.
Hello, Adam. I hope harvest is going well. I am trying to meet with Jeff Perlagos in Lodi in the next few weeks. Maybe I can say howdy when I’m in the area. Let me know when you are around. Cheers, Ari Tzikas (+1 916.599.2007)
For sure, Ari! I just came back from two picks at Stampede, will probably be up there in about 10-12 days or so next time. Everything is tracking a bit later this year.
Here’s Jeff at the Stampede pick last night (BTW, that’s the Assyrtiko in the background):
PS. All his Assyrtiko is spoken for. But he’s thinking about adding a little bit more.
Available here: - Wine - Hibou Assyrtiko Clements Hills 2022
New Clairvaux winery (Aimee Sunseri, winemaker) in Vina, CA (north of Chico - peaking of hot and volcanic) has been producing an Assyrtiko for years.
Just about a year ago
I set out on the road
Seekin’ my fame and fortune
Lookin’ for a pot of gold
I forgot about that one, I’ve had a few bottles of it over the years from Corti Brothers. That’s a good place to plant it I think.
Photo from a 2018 visit to New Clairvaux with winemaker Aimée Sunseri. I believe that Corti Brothers Market in Sacramento regularly carries these wines.
Correct. The Moschofilero is worth a try, also.
6 bottles just delivered.
For those wanting to try “the real deal”, I suggest tracking down the Bosinakis Mantinia Moschofilero. Available in the US. The best expression of the Moschofilero grape I’ve tasted to date.
This has been popular with my friends, so I’ve just re-ordered more. Only a few bottles left at First Bottle.
We’re doing “Greek night” this evening and I have one in the refrigerator.
Halloumi cheese grilled on the BBQ, so good!
Mmm, love grilled halloumi. Enjoy your dinner!
