Did the Decanter ‘Best in Show’ medal for Assyrtiko 2016 come as a surprise to you?
Α: These types of competitions include processes which, by their very nature, generate surprising results. This was an incredible honour and most certainly a pleasant surprise; something that made us very happy.
L: We have faith in our work and that is why we enter international competitions. If we think of how rare this specific award is globally, and how unique it is for Greece, you realize it is a huge surprise. Also, if we take into account the fact that only three wines scored 98 points and, of these, the Assyrtiko 2016 was the only white wine, internationally, to have attained that score at this year’s competition, it’s almost unbelievable! But, if we think of the potential of the Santorini terroir, our surprise is now accompanied by the responsibility we carry.
How much work does it take to attain such an honour?
A: The truth is that constant work and investments were needed over the years, at various levels, to achieve this. The winery began with a production of 15.000 bottles and within fifteen years it produces around 180.000; it is one of the fastest growing wineries nationwide and it has the third largest production on the island. Technological equipment, planting of new and renewal of older vines, investment in human resources and honest relations with our producers have been a constant priority throughout these years.
L: Hard work is needed on the part of the production team. Good communication, trust, persistence, patience, dreams, passion, study and a lot of anxiety, because for me it was the first year I was in charge of the winery. It seems that everything went well, so now I can relish the satisfaction.
How far do you think Assyrtiko can go? Both in terms of quality and price?
A: Even though I am born and bred in Santorini, and despite my many years of experience in the wine industry, I believe that predictions are risky. The environment of the island is in a state of flux, and that is obvious in the huge changes that took place in the '80's, and even more so, with what is happening in the last couple of years. In terms of the prices it feels like we are sitting in a roller-coaster, in which we have no way of braking, and I cannot see how this will change, despite the risk involved in this situation. In terms of quality, I think we have a lot of room for improvement.
L: The truth is that, in the last few decades, there is constant progress in the quality of the wines produced by most of the wineries on the island. There is much international interest in Assyrtiko and its reputation is growing fast. I can't imagine what the ultimate limit of this terroir could be. I mean, what could we expect if the vineyard is studied better? If we practice clonal selection and study the adaptability of the varieties that have existed here for 3.500 years? If the composition of the soil at the different locations is studied and a direct link is established to the quality of the grapes produced? If the producers, cultivators, oenologists are more qualified scientifically and have more references and databases available to them in the future? If the wineries acquire more sophisticated technological equipment? And so much more...
What would you consider the biggest bet for Santorini?
L: All of the above can only apply if the vineyard of Santorini continues to exist. The biggest bet is the preservation of this rare vineyard. A unique place, that was formed by volcanic activity, and in which the vines have been cultivated incessantly over time. They have managed to overcome natural disasters, wars, population movements and phylloxera and find themselves now on the brink of extinction by airbnb, short-sightedness and lack of moderation.
What is the biggest bet for the winery?
A: I believe that stability is the factor that will add value to our efforts. I would like to better establish our position in the world of wine, to maintain our present production levels and to constantly improve. If we maintain stable relationships with the co-operating producers, continue to invest in our vineyards and winery and continue to experiment, research and study, I am certain we will achieve our goals.