Nemea Winery — Assyrtiko 2021

In a blind tasting of Assyrtiko wines from the Greek mainland, the Assyrtiko 2021 from Nemea Winery (PGI Peloponnes) stood out by most clearly showcasing the fruity dimension of the Assyrtiko grape. There's a noticeably broader spectrum of fruit aromas here than in many of its competitors. Cherry notes — rather atypical for a white wine — emerge on the nose, joined by nectarine on the palate. The wine is easy-drinking yet broad enough not to bore. Lemony hints transition into basil-like notes, preventing the wine from becoming too kitschy.

That said, it was marked down somewhat over the course of the tasting. It's a wine that certainly convinces on its own terms and can hold its own against most Sauvignon Blancs when it comes to exotic fruit. Compared to the other wines, however, it shows less complexity, which is why it landed at a still impressive, very good 87 points.