From: Heraklion, Crete, Greece
Varietal: Assyrtiko

Taste: In the glass, the wine shows a pale straw-yellow hue with silvery edges. Aromatically, it opens with lifted citrus notes of lime leaf, lemon zest, and grapefruit pith, followed by hints of crushed rock, sea spray, and white peach. On the palate, the wine is taut and vibrant, with a firm acidic backbone driving flavors of green apple, salted lemon, and flint.

Pairing: Assyrtiko’s high acidity, mineral-driven character, and citrus notes make it ideal for foods with clean flavors, saline components, and bright acidity. Begin with general guidelines: pair with seafood, raw preparations, or vegetable dishes that highlight herbal notes and freshness. 

About: Alexakis Winery is based in the town of Heraklion, the capital of Crete and the largest city on the island. Founded in the early 1970s by Yannis Alexakis, a trained chemical engineer, the winery began as a small vinification facility supporting the island’s burgeoning wine trade. At the time, Crete’s wine scene was still largely driven by bulk production, with little attention given to site specificity or the expression of native grapes. Yannis’s scientific training and commitment to precision allowed him to offer winemaking services to dozens of local grape growers, positioning Alexakis as one of the first privately owned modern wineries in Crete.