The Meth`Imon Acacia Assyrtiko 2022 has seductive aromas of candied lemon, hay, mandarin zest and quince. Fresh and zesty in the mouth with a fleshy mid-palate with 1% of Sauvignon Blanc added to the blend.
Skin contact and 30% whole bunch fermentation gives this wine depth of flavour and a hint of tannin, while still retaining the typicity of Assyrtiko. This wine shows fantastic integration, spending ten months spent on lees in acacia barrels.
Drinking well now but will age up to 10 years.
Country: Greece
Region: Thessaly
ABV: 14%
Grapes: Assyrtiko
Food match: Pairs perfectly with Greek salads, shellfish and grilled white fish.
Dougos Winery was founded in 1991 by Thanos and Louiza Dougos. Thanos is the viticulturist and Louiza is the winemaker and together they make wines from indigenous Greek varieties as well as blends with international grapes. They also operate one of Greece's oldest vine nurseries, which was established in 1950. Production is small, peaking at around 70,000 bottles per year. The winery is located in the Tempi Valley, on the foothills of Mount Olympus, in what constitutes the PDO Rapsani, in the Thessaly region. The vineyards are planted in iron-rich schist soils at altitudes of 450-700 metres. These soils are hardy and the iron content is important as it helps regulate the water capacity of the soil. The vineyards are cultivated without the use of irrigation, at low yields, and are certified organic.
The wines are very true to their origin and are always elegant, refined and expressive, and never dominated by new oak. The 300 litre acacia barrels used for the Assyrtiko are always only lightly or not at all toasted, in order to not overpower the intricate qualities.