Most people think the best wines come from fertile soil and pleasant climates. But as any Santorini winemaker will tell you, it’s the harsh, nutrient-poor volcanic soil and the island’s extreme weather that create their award-winning vintages.
The challenging conditions force the vines to dig deep for nutrients, resulting in grapes with unique flavours and high minerality that you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere else. Until now.
We’ve found a vineyard that makes Santorini weather conditions look like a gentle summer breeze and could rival their vintages when it comes to quality.
Hailing from the windswept island of Tinos, Greece, the T-OINOS vineyard is nestled in a cratered, moon-like landscape surrounded by massive granitic stones called volakes.
The grapes are cultivated on barren, rocky terrain 400 meters above sea level, where temperatures fluctuate wildly and winds howl relentlessly. Yet, from this inhospitable environment comes a wine of extraordinary character.
Steeped in ancient folklore, legend has it that the volakes are remnants of a mythical battle between gods and giants.
According to geologists, these ginormous rocks are made out of granite formed 15-25 million years ago. Over time, changes in temperature and humidity, along with wind erosion, have gradually shaped them into their spherical form.
Fifteen years ago, Alexandre Avatangelos embraced the challenge to craft an “original wine” that would capture the vibrant essence of the moon-like landscape from which it was born.
Along with the guidance of renowned wine consultant Stéphane Derenoncourt, who has been described as “a genius” by Gary Owen, ex-director and Head of Wine at Sotheby’s, they’ve crafted wines that are pure expressions of their terroir.
The result? Refreshing, mineral-driven whites and spicy, aromatic reds unlike anything you’ve tasted before.
Even one of the world’s most renowned wine critics, James Suckling, says, “The spectacular hillside vineyards of the winery T-Oinos… arguably make Greece’s greatest wines.”
The steep terrain, limited space, and challenging climate result in low wine production, creating scarcity and potential for price appreciation.
Those made from Assyrtiko especially have exceptional ageing potential, allowing them to develop complex flavours and increase in value with time.
In case you’re interested, we happen to have a few bottles of Clos Stegasta Assyrtiko Rare 2022, rated an impressive 96 points by Suckling. Get in touch to reserve a case.
