{"title":"Anhydrous | Santorini","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: start;margin-bottom: 10px\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/files\/Anhydrous_Vineyards.jpg?v=1721855601\" alt=\"Anhydrous Assyrtiko Vineyards on Santorini\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"7\"\u003eThe fierce, untamed nature of a legendary volcanic landscape defines the striking character of \u003cb data-index-in-node=\"95\" data-path-to-node=\"7\"\u003eAnhydrous\u003c\/b\u003e. Originally founded in 2012 as Avantis Santorini, this dynamic Greek estate was renamed for the 2021 vintage by visionary winemaker Apostolos Mountrichas and his wife Lenga Grigoriadou. Craving a bold creative reinvention, they chose the word Anhydrous - meaning without water - as a direct homage to the brutal, arid growing conditions of \u003cb data-index-in-node=\"441\" data-path-to-node=\"7\"\u003eSantorini\u003c\/b\u003e. Within a single decade, the duo has propelled the winery into the absolute premier tier of the island, farming a prized combination of estate plots and meticulously managed grower vineyards to capture the pure, raw energy of the Aegean.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8\"\u003eThe structural brilliance of these highly sought-after bottles is forged by a remarkable viticultural struggle. The island receives minimal rainfall during the blistering summer months, forcing the ancient, ungrafted vines to draw moisture almost entirely from dense morning sea sea fogs. To survive the punishing, gale-force Mediterranean winds, the plants are trained into the traditional kouloura, a fascinating \u003cb data-index-in-node=\"415\" data-path-to-node=\"8\"\u003ebasket-shaped vine system\u003c\/b\u003e woven close to the earth where the leaves grow inward to shield the grapes. Rooted in poor, gravelly \u003cb data-index-in-node=\"542\" data-path-to-node=\"8\"\u003evolcanic soils\u003c\/b\u003e completely devoid of organic matter, these low-yielding vines produce tiny, thick-skinned berries with an average yield of just three tonnes per hectare, capping annual production at a rare 40,000 bottles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"9\"\u003eFor the everyday drinker seeking a white wine of unparalleled tension and drive, this collection offers an unforgettable exploration of the native \u003cb data-index-in-node=\"147\" data-path-to-node=\"9\"\u003eAssyrtiko\u003c\/b\u003e grape. Apostolos and Lenga masterfully employ a diverse range of vessels in the cellar, fermenting with wild indigenous yeasts inside traditional large \u003cb data-index-in-node=\"309\" data-path-to-node=\"9\"\u003eAfoura oak casks\u003c\/b\u003e, raw clay amphorae, and modern concrete eggs. The range steps from the vibrant, steel-tank entry level \u003cb data-index-in-node=\"429\" data-path-to-node=\"9\"\u003eAnhydrous Santorini\u003c\/b\u003e up to the textured, citrus-peel layers of the barrel-aged Afoura. The undisputed jewel is the signature Icon, sourced from sixty-year-old vines to deliver a breathtakingly crisp, flinty sea-salt finish with a razor-sharp natural acidity. These architectural \u003cb data-index-in-node=\"707\" data-path-to-node=\"9\"\u003eSantorini wines\u003c\/b\u003e possess an intense mineral core, making them spectacular pairings for \u003cb data-index-in-node=\"793\" data-path-to-node=\"9\"\u003echarred octopus\u003c\/b\u003e, pan-seared sea bass, or lemon and garlic roasted chicken.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\" data-path-to-node=\"9\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eANHYDROUS\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"anhydrous-icon-assyrtiko","title":"Anhydrous 'Icon' Assyrtiko 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe 'Icon' Assyrtiko is the signature wine of Anhydrous produced in very limited quantities. The fruit for this wine is sourced from 60-year-old vines grown in Pyrgos, the highest and arguably most prestigious village for vineyards in Santorini. Apostolos and Lenga work with selected growers who farm a top west-facing vineyard at an altitude of approximately 250 meters above sea level. Due to the sandy volcanic soils very poor in organic matter, the ungrafted vines are immune to Phylloxera. Water and nutrients are in limited supply in Santorini which in turn encourages the vines to develop a deep system of roots, resulting in characterful wines. The average yield is as low as 3 tonnes per hectare. Strong winds, intense heat and very little rainfall contribute to the extreme growing conditions on the island. To contrast the harsh climate, the vines are trained into the typical Santorini ‘basket’ trellis system, also known as ‘kouloura’. At the winery, the hand-harvested grapes were destemmed and stored in a cooling chamber for 24 hours before being gently pressed in a vertical hydraulic basket press. After fermentation the wine was transferred to cement eggs. During nine months of maturation an internal vortex spontaneously generated within the tank to create a continuous movement of fine lees, simulating a natural bâtonnage. After maturation, the wine was filtered and bottled. This signature Assyrtiko displays pronounced aromas of nectarines, apricots, and lemon blossom. `Icon` is also an authentic expression of its volcanic soil and translates the sea breezes into a pronounce saline character. The same complexity shines through on the palate with its medium body, sharp acidity and intense minerality.[#intro]Tasting 'Icon' is “like being caressed by an electrified silk handkerchief” according to Peter Pharos...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e","brand":"Anhydrous","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41684345552963,"sku":"A23ANHYDROUSICON","price":75.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/files\/IconBottle.jpg?v=1721927157"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/collections\/Anhydrous_Wine_Bottle.jpg?v=1721855745","url":"https:\/\/hic.wine\/collections\/anhydrous.oembed","provider":"Hic!","version":"1.0","type":"link"}