Jim Barry Assyrtiko

Assyrtiko most classically comes from the hot, dry, volcanic island of Santorini where the old bush vines (some can be up to 70 years old!) are grown individually in giant circular “nest” shapes to help protext the grapes from strong coastal winds and other elements. (Look it up if you like, the photos are very cool). Assyrtiko as a variety has the potential for sensational concentration of ripe citrus flavours, a distinctive saline mineral quality and a crazy-long finish. 

Enter…the Aussies? Well, yes. Jim Barry has long been a wine name associated with pioneering, pushing the boundaries, and setting very high standards. In fact, it was Jim Barry who helped firmly establish the Clare Valley as a world-recognized wine region (especially for its Rieslings). The winery is now in its third generation and they’re carrying the torch of ingenuioty and quality just as much as ever. This was the very first commercial bottling of Assyrtiko to ever come out of Austrlia, and we reckon it’s absolutely worth diving into.  

PS: Just in case you’re unsure how to say it, the grape is pronounced “ah-SEER-ti-KOH.”