Vinsanto

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Santorini’s sweet white wine or “ambrosia of the gods”? Although the first answer is a certainty (Vino di Santorini), the second is equally appropriate since Santorini’s grand Vinsanto (PDO Santorini) is indeed fit for the gods! Although Vinsanto has been renowned since the 12th century, it did not acquire true fame until after 1783 when it journeyed to Russia’s large markets. Today, more than two centuries later, this rare, sweet diamond of the land of Thera still performs so spectacularly that it is not exaggeration to claim that its place among the top dessert wines worldwide has been rightfully earned. It all begins with the unique terroir of the world-famous island of Santorini. The volcanic soil striated with pumice stone, age-old vines, incredibly low yields, the presence of morning dew which ensures that the vines receive the water necessary, a weather-beaten, sun-scorched terrain, vines pruned into basket-shaped “kouloures,” and age-old tradition all conspire to mold an unsurpassed environment that has generously bestowed unique traits and features on Assyrtiko, Aidani, and on small quantities of other native white cultivars that, with Athiri in the lead, yield Santorini’s unparalleled wines.

Vinsanto is among the best dessert wines in the world. It displays an amber-brown color and although overtly sweet there is a perfect balance due to its high acidity levels. Its flavors and aromas are very complex reminiscent of dried fruits, honey, caramel, coffee, nuts and spices, leading towards a lingering, never-ending, finish. A Vinsanto is in proud possession of the key features that testify to its distinguished breed and the outstanding terroir of its origin: astonishing concentration; mineral character; and a tenacious acidity that easily balances out over 40 oz/gal of unfermented sugars!

Desserts based on caramel, fig, dried nuts, coffee, or quinces are the best companions Vinsanto wines. However, the class and strength of a Vinsanto allow for even bolder serving combinations such as with sharply salty cheeses like kopanisti or Roquefort as well as for the companionship offered by an epicurean, premium cigar.

Whatever the pairing choice may be when deciding to enjoy these rare and highly acclaimed wines, one thing is for certain: an exciting, novel wine experience beckons. Vinsanto does not merely usher one to an appreciation of fine wine; it also excites the senses with its taste, its legend, and the singularity of its birthplace, the inimitable Santorini.

Samos

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In the past century, Samos has been able to showcase its sweet white wines throughout the world, and they have duly found fame and renown on their merits. The small-berried clone of the white Muscat White variety has found in every nook and cranny of the island—especially on the “pezoules,” the narrow stone terraces perched on the island’s mountainous northern extremity—the perfect ecosystem that has lead it to stunning feats of vinification as evidenced by the PDO Samos (ΠΟΠ Σάμος) sweet wines.

Most of island’s approximately 3,000 producers are members of the Union of Viticultural Cooperatives of Samos which, until recently was exclusively responsible for the wide range of the island’s dessert wines. Private wineries on the island are now also allowed to produce PDO wines.

Light and fruity wines from the tank; honeyed and concentrated “liasta,” or straw wines (“vin liastos”); and spicy, uniquely-aged, oaked wines, all bear the “Samos” indication, offering sufficient breadth of style to fulfill every kind of demand, in every price category, always offering excellent value for money and always perfectly worthy of accompanying countless dishes and desserts.

Beyond the inexhaustible palette of aromas and tastes offered by the highly acclaimed, sweet wines of Samos, there lies also the indelible stamp of a unique terroir revealed in every sip: the grape’s nearly creamy taste and subtle Muscat aroma make their presence known even when nearly engulfed by the aromas of coffee, spices, and oak.

Samos is a place apart when speaking of the production of sweet wines. It is not just the incredible aesthetics of its vineyards’ setting, a veritable image of wine’s world heritage; nor is it the countless distinctions its wines receive in every international wine contest they enter. Above all, it is the ability of its wines to sweep the senses away on an unforgettable wine journey bursting with exoticism and surprises!