Two sisters have taken over their family’s Santorini winery and impressed us with their debut vintage.
As longtime fans of Greek wine—especially Assyrtiko from Santorini—we were recently captivated by Gai’a’s 2022 Ammonite. This single-vineyard Assyrtiko comes from 300-year-old, ungrafted vines and marks the first vintage under the leadership of co-founders’ daughters, Leto Paraskevopoulou and Sofia Karasalou. While Leto’s father, Yiannis, is known for his “wild ferment” style using indigenous yeast, she brings a fresh perspective, choosing a specific yeast strain to let the grape and terroir truly shine.
Thanks to a generous harvest, only 6,000 bottles were made—more than usual—but just 216 made it to the U.S. The grapes hail from the Thalassina vineyard, 656 feet above sea level. Karasalou notes that its volcanic soil holds water exceptionally well—key in Santorini’s arid climate—and its southwest exposure shields vines from damaging northern winds. Though the age of individual vines isn’t precisely known, the vineyard’s root system has thrived for over three centuries.
The vines are trained using the traditional Kouloura method, where canes are woven into basket-like shapes close to the ground. This ancient technique protects grapes from harsh winds and sun exposure while reducing water loss, contributing to fruit with incredible concentration and signature mineral intensity.
The 2022 vintage benefited from a rare snowy January and a mild summer, leading to wines with bright acidity and freshness. Paraskevopoulou aged the wine on its lees for 15 months, with 8% in used French oak, rounding out its texture while enhancing complexity. The result is a vibrant white with notes of lemon, nectarine, river rock, and sea spray—rich yet electric with citrus and smoky minerality lingering on the finish.
But beyond the technical excellence lies something more personal—a story of two women shaping the future of Greek wine in their own way. As the saying goes, “Successful duos are rare—but when the chemistry is right, the results are unstoppable.”
Leto Paraskevopoulou (@leto.parask) and Sofia Karatsalou (@sofia_karatsalou_) aren’t trying to be alike—and that’s exactly their strength. One is more fiery, the other more serene, but both are united by deep passion, expertise, and a genuine love for wine.
Raised in winemaking, they now forge their own path, unafraid of challenges. In doing so, they are writing a new chapter in the story of @gaiawines—one filled with grapes, harvests, and heartfelt craftsmanship.
Gai’a’s 2022 Ammonite Assyrtiko is more than a great bottle—a symbol of legacy, reinvention, and the remarkable strength of the next generation.
By Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jenssen
Source: Robb Report via Yahoo Lifestyle
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