Assyrtiko

Assyrtiko (also Assyrtico; Assirtico; Asurtico; Asyrtiko; Greek Ασσύρτικο or Asyrtiko Ασύρτικο ), is a white grape variety from Greece.

They are found mainly in the Aegean islands, especially in the appellation Plagies Melitona on the Chalkidiki peninsula and Santorini. From this Greek grape quality, durable wines are made with strong acid that fit especially with seafood and fish.

As a blending this grape is used as a partner of Savatiano.

The climatic influences and the height of the vineyards act concise on this species, which has a very high aging potential. The white wines have a good quality, and preserve a fresh acidity. The wines may have an alcohol content of up to 17 percent by volume at full maturity. Such wines are nycteri on Santorini under the name or Nykteri known. Nykteri ( Νυκτέρι ) is a white wine, the wine is made primarily from the Assyrtiko with an admixture of small parts of Aidani Aspro and Athiri. He is an acid - and full-bodied, usually pale yellow wine, which is often a light jasmine bouquet, but always has lemon or lime flavors. Its name comes from the read and vinification, which takes place in one day and ends in the early hours of the morning. Nykteri means as much as " night work".

With an area under vines of 1,106 hectares (as of 1999 ) makes it one of the most important varieties in Greece. Santorini alone, they account 70%. On this island are next to the main places still two clones known. While the clone Arseniko only turned out to be virus infested vine material of Assyrtico, genetic analyzes revealed that FlasAssyrtiko is a separate variety.

Assyrtiko is a variety of the noble vine (Vitis vinifera ). It has hermaphrodite flowers and is thus self- fruiting. When the wine-growing economic drawback is avoided, no return delivered to male plants need to grow.

See also the article Viticulture in Greece and the list of grape varieties.