Not as intensely reminiscent of the sea as the Thalassitis but still with a creamy herbal aroma. But on the palate, this is deliciously crisp and saline, with herbal freshness and marked intensity. Deep and very long and so fresh. Perfect combination of site and variety.

The Gai'a 2022 Santorini Assyrtiko Wild Ferment goes into steel tank (45%), a combination of acacia, French and American barrel (45%) and 10% amphorae. In terms of the oak, 50% is new wood. It is fermented with wild yeasts, and there has been a lot of discussion concerning how the acidic (low pH) Assyrtiko grape adopts to spontaneous fermentations (even the bad strains tend to behave well). This father and daughter winemaking team goes to great lengths to get it right (they do not do spontaneous fermentations at their Nemea property). This wine shows depth and salinity, and the oak is very nicely integrated with a distant hint of spice, aniseed and toasted almond. This wine has been produced since 2008.