Assyrtiko “Tarsanas”

Rather mild winter, notably wet and low in snow. Cool March and April. The frost in the beginning of April had no significant impact on the buds. The wet June was not ideal for fruit setting, resulting in bunches with less berries. From mid-July, the weather was very dry and hot. Due to the August heatwave atypically to the area high temperatures were recorded -even during the night. These xerothermic conditions accelerated the phenolic growth of the vines, nevertheless the heatwave delayed ripeness by 5 days compared to the average standards. The low night temperatures after mid-August speed up veraison and ripeness. As a late-ripening variety, Assyrtiko was favored by the overall conditions and the mild September was ideal for its full ripeness. Harvest at ‘Tarsanas’ block took place by hand on 28 September 2021, almost a week earlier than usual. The production was 15% higher than the block’s average.

Harvest: It took place on 28 September 2021 (almost a week earlier than usual). The yield was 15% higher than the block’s average (8,290 kg/ha)

‘Tarsanas’ is produced from the block #10, part of KIR-YIANNI Estate’s ‘Samaropetra’ vineyard in the region of Amyndeon in Florina, Northern Greece. It is one of the oldest Assyrtiko plantings in the broader area.

Planting year: 2004
Exposure: ΝW
Pruning system: Single guyot
Planting density (plans/ha): 3,800
Slope: 10%
Soil pH: 8.2
Soil: : Poor, shallow sandy clay on limestone bedrock

Rigorous grape selection on conveyor belt. The berries are cooled down, and skin-contact followed. Fermentation starts in stainless steel tank and continues in French 228 lt barrels (1st , as well as 2nd and 3rd use). Maturation for 8 months in barrels with mild lees stirring (bâtonnage) during the first half of maturation period.