Domaine Nerantzi Assyrtiko, P.G.I. Serres '25

Assyrtiko is one of Greece’s most known white grape varieties. If you have ever had a white wine from Santorini, you likely have tried Assyrtiko. Because of the popularity of Santorini, both from a tourism and wine consumption perspective, other parts of Greece have begun to produce their versions of Assyrtiko. 

One of the best versions of this grape is made by Domaine Nerantzi. This small producer is based in the PGI of Serres, in the northern part of Greece, known as Macedonia. Nerantzi Mitropoulos founded the winery in 1988, as a home winemaker turned professional. Today Nerantzi and his daughter Eva farm 15 hectares of vineyards, including the local indigenous varieties Asprouda and Koniaros. 

The farming at Nerantzi is organic, with vineyards sitting around 300 meters in elevation. The soil is largely calcareous sandy loam. There is no shortage of sunshine in these vineyards, but the moderately cooling nights help the grapes develop a profile with balanced fruit, minerality, and acidity. 

Nerantzi Mitropoulos takes great pride in the history of the region. In fact, he made the time to take us to Amphipolis, to view ancient artifacts from this historic place. Yet he doesn’t need to go far to find historic artifacts. The family is constantly finding broken pieces of clay vessels and other signs of ancient life in the vineyards, these pieces dating back 5,000 years.

Bright and aromatic with citrus and saline notes on the nose. The vibrancy continues to the palate with zippy acidity surrounded by a beautiful core of fruit and mineral. This is an ideal white to serve with snacks before a meal, and of course with spanakopita.