2024 Monemvasia Winery - Assyrtiko Laconia (750ml)

Monemvasia Winery was founded in 1997 by George and Elli Tsimbidis, with George, a physicist by training, teaching himself winemaking in order to revive the historic Monemvasia grape and the nearly forgotten Malvasia style once shipped from the region's namesake port. Based near the village of Velies in southern Laconia, the estate now farms about 30 hectares organically, split between Velies and Agios Dimitrios, and is increasingly guided by the second generation, daughters Marialena and Anastasia, who joined the winemaking team after studies in agronomy and chemistry.

This Assyrtiko grows in the harsh, sun-baked terrain of southern Laconia, where scorching summers are moderated by cooling breezes off the nearby Mediterranean and the northeast meltemi winds. While Assyrtiko is more closely associated with Santorini, the Tsimbidis family believes the variety was likely part of Laconia's historic grape mix, and it has adapted well to the region's dry, desert-like conditions, a resilience that may prove increasingly valuable as the climate continues to warm.

The wine pours a pale lemon color with greenish tints and offers aromas of yellow peach, citrus, lemon, and white flowers. On the palate it is rich and almost full-bodied, with bright acidity, pronounced minerality, and a long, saline finish. It suits grilled fish, shellfish, and other Mediterranean seafood dishes especially well.