What type of wine is Assyrtiko?

Assyrtiko is a dry white wine made from an ancient grape indigenous to Santorini. Bone-dry with high acidity, minerality, and citrus flavors. The grape also produces Nykteri (barrel-aged white) and Vinsanto (sweet dessert wine from sun-dried grapes).

Is Assyrtiko wine sweet or dry?

Standard Assyrtiko wine is completely dry, zero residual sugar. Nykteri is also dry but tastes richer due to oak aging. Vinsanto is the sweet style, made from grapes sun-dried for 10-14 days to concentrate their sugars.

What does Assyrtiko wine taste like?

Lemon, grapefruit, green apple, with a mineral and saline finish from the volcanic soil. Sharp, clean, medium-bodied. People describe it as "tasting like the sea." Nothing like fruity New World whites.

Is Assyrtiko like sauvignon blanc?

They share high acidity, but that's where the similarity ends. Sauvignon Blanc is more herbaceous and tropical. Assyrtiko is more mineral-driven, fuller-bodied, with a saline finish that Sauvignon Blanc lacks. Assyrtiko sits closer to a good Chablis than to Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.

How much does Assyrtiko wine cost?

At wineries: EUR 8-25 for dry Assyrtiko, EUR 15-30 for Nykteri, EUR 15-30 for a 375ml Vinsanto. At restaurants: EUR 15-40 per bottle, EUR 6-12 per glass. Outside Greece: USD 15-35 or GBP 12-28 per bottle.

Can you age Assyrtiko wine?

Yes. Good dry Assyrtiko ages 5-8 years, developing honey and lanolin notes while keeping its acidity. Nykteri ages even better, up to 10-15 years. Vinsanto from top producers can age 20-30 years and improve the entire time.

Where can I buy Assyrtiko wine outside Greece?

Assyrtiko has grown in popularity internationally. Specialty wine shops and online retailers in the US, UK, and Australia carry Greek wines from producers like Estate Argyros, Sigalas, and Santo Wines. Search for "Greek Assyrtiko" at your local wine shop or online retailer. Prices outside Greece are typically USD 15-30 or GBP 12-25 per bottle.

What food pairs best with Assyrtiko?

Seafood. Grilled fish, fried calamari, raw oysters, shrimp pasta, sushi. On Santorini, the classic pairing is Assyrtiko with fava (yellow split pea puree) or tomatokeftedes (tomato fritters). The high acidity cuts through oil and fat. --- Planning a trip to Santorini? Read our [complete Santorini wine and food guide](/discover/santorini-wine-food-guide) for more on the island's cuisine, or browse our [romantic things to do in Santorini](/discover/romantic-things-santorini) for ideas beyond the w

Two glasses of Assyrtiko white wine on a seaside shore at sunset in Santorini

Food & Wine

Assyrtiko Wine: Santorini's Famous Grape You Need to Try

Last updated: March 2026

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Assyrtiko Wine: Santorini's Famous Grape You Need to Try | Aroma Suites