A Tantalising Taste of Assyrtiko

I recently popped into a store tasting of Greek wines to continue exploring different Greek grape varieties – a fun and intriguing journey that I started a few months ago when staying in Athens.  I started off by exploring the Assyrtikos – a grape variety I know quite well – this is what happens when you have Greek-Australian friends!

Nico Lazaridi Lion D’Or Assyrtiko 2025

This wine was immediately light and fresh on the first sip.  Flavours of crisp pear, red and green apple, and white and yellow grapefruit abounded.  This freshness was enhanced by a straight acidic line.  A wine that I would head to on a warm summer day – it was such a quaffer.  Would go brilliantly with oysters, fresh seafood, and a light crisp chicken salad.  Loved it and excellent value.

Rating: Delish     Price: AUD 33

Nico Lazaridi Cavalieri Assyrtiko 2024

Much softer, rounder and more floral wine than its stablemate.  Flavours and aromas of white and pink peony – it really was very floral – white and yellow peach with a touch of bay leaf in the background.  It showed a touch of depth and would pair with slightly stronger flavoured foods such as a sauteed or roast chicken, a peach salad, or pasta with a white sauce.

Rating: Delish     Price: AUD 49

Agyros Santorini Assyrtiko 2025

My first impression of this wine was that it was soft and did not have the crisp, acidic profile that I was expecting from an Assyrtiko from Santorini.  As it opened up the acidity came through and I got little hits of lemon and lemon curd.  It ended up being such a mineral-driven wine with the dominant flavour being white stone with a touch of gravel and saline.  While not that thrilled with the first sip, the more I tasted it, the more I liked it.  Such a beautifully made wine.  Would pair brilliantly with shellfish.

Rating: Bloody Delish       Price: AUD 120 (gulp!)

It was so good to taste three Greek Assyrtikos side-by-side and see the different expressions of this grape.  If I was to bring one of these wines home to quaff, it would be the Nico Lazaridi Lion D’Or – definitely a crowd pleaser.