2020 Domaine Papagiannakos Assyrtiko Attica Greece 750 ml

A crisp, mouthwatering white wine drenched in minerality, grown in limestone-rich vineyards in one of the oldest wine regions in Europe—if you think that sounds like Chablis or Sancerre, you’re right. But it also describes today’s 2020 Domaine Papagiannakos Assyrtiko, which is without a doubt one of the great bargains on the white-wine market.

When we last offered this wine, it generated the kind of member reviews usually reserved for spendy bottles from Burgundy or the Mosel—and we’re sure that if it bore the name of one of these well-known regions it would cost twice as much. But because Greek wines can be a mystery to many Americans—they’re imported in small quantities and often feature unfamiliar grapes—wines like Domaine Papagiannakos’s Assyrtiko can fly under the radar to all but wine obsessives.

Assyrtiko (Ah-SEAR-tih-koh) is the signature white grape of Greece, and Domaine Papagiannakos has been making wine near Athens for over 100 years. Their estate vineyard is perfectly situated to grow grapes of incredible elegance: Facing north rather than south, the vines escape the blistering Mediterranean sun, which allows the Assyrtiko grapes to ripen more slowly, developing complexity and finesse in addition to bright fruit. The moderating influence of water—Attica is on a peninsula that juts into the Aegean Sea—also helps tame high temperatures, helping the grapes preserve their vibrant minerality.

The vines are dry farmed, forcing their roots to spider deep into the stony earth to find the water and nutrients they need. The winemaking regimen employs skin contact and lees-stirring to add texture and weight to the finished wine.

We’re thrilled to bring this undersung white wine onto your radar—don’t miss it!