Muses Winery Assyrtiko 2024

Muses Estate's Assyrtiko is crafted from 100% Assyrtiko grapes cultivated in the Valley of the Muses at 500 to 700 meters above sea level, situated on the slopes of Mount Helicon in Central Greece on clay and gravel soils which provide good drainage and water retention and allowing deep root penetration enabling vines to absorb essential minerals. The vineyards benefit from cool breezes from Mount Helicon, which help regulate temperatures during the hot summer months, preventing excessive heat stress on the vines and with diurnal temperature variation (hot days and cool nights) giving optimal balance between ripeness and acidity, giving freshness. The 60-65 year old vines are cultivated as bush vines (goblet) with deep root systems well-suited to the region’s dry conditions and are dry farmed without irrigation. Natural ground cover is maintained to improve diversity and no synthetic herbicides or pesticides are used.

The juice is cold-settled naturally before fermentation to clarify while retaining essential aromatics and texture. Fermentation takes place with natural yeast in stainless steel tanks at 16-18°C to ensure a slow, steady ferment, preserving delicate citrus, floral, and mineral notes. The wine remains on the lees for 6 months, adding richness, mouthfeel, and complexity with batonnage conducted every 2-3 weeks to enhance texture. Where possible, gravity flow is used to move the wine gently, reducing the need for pumping and preserving the wine’s freshness.