Boutari The Authentic Assyrtiko 2023 (Greece) - Wine Review

Tonight's white wine review is a lovely Assyrtiko from Macedonia in Northern Greece. It is a brand new arrival at the LCBO, landing in Ontario as part of the recent August 30 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by renowned, highly-respected, and historic Boutari wine company that was established in 1879 by Ioannis Boutaris in Naoussa, Macedonia, in Northern Greece. As one of Greece's most influential wineries, Ioannis built Naoussa's first privately-owned winery and retail cellar in 1906, while also launching the production of the first Greek red wine that was bottled under the now-renowned "Naoussa Boutari" label.

The Boutari family wine business has been passed down along family lines since its founding, with Stelios Boutaris, son of Ioannis, taking over the reins in the mid-1930s and laying down the foundation for years to come. In 1968, the two sons of Stelios - Giannis and Konstantinos Boutaris - took over the winery and ventured into vine growing by purchasing a vineyard in Imathia. Together, the brothers propelled the family business to new heights and shaping it into what it is today. In 1978, Boutari inaugurated their new, state-of-the-art winery in Stenimachos, Naoussa, a facility which would go on to become their flagship winery as the centre of production, bottling, and ageing.

Boutari continued to grow and expand during the 1980s, while also highlighting Greece's various unique wine regions and vine-growing qualities. During this period, Boutari also experimented with the cultivation of Greek and international varieties to create a series of experimental wines, some of which are mainstays in the current portfolio. Boutari has garnered many accolades over the years, including being named European Winery of the Year in 2008 by Wine Enthusiast. In 2022, a new chapter began in the story of Boutari wineries as Elias and Thomas Georgiadis became key investors with a promise to preserve the heritage and further develop the Boutari name, while also continuing the long tradition of Boutari wineries.

This particular white wine is from their Varieties range - wines which are crafted with passion and love from the main wine producing regions of Greece. This white wine is crafted with 100% Assyrtiko that was grown in the mountainous areas of Florina and Pieria, in Macedonia of Northern Greece. The fruit was cultivated with a particular focus on low yields, and the timing of harvest in each vineyard was determined using a combination of both berry testing and analytical data. The grapes were harvested at the time of the day when temperatures were the lowest possible, and underwent strict manual sorting upon arriving at the winery. Completely vinified in tanks, the grapes underwent alcoholic fermentation at controlled temperatures using selected yeast strains, followed by stirring the fine lees post-fermentation until the wine was bottled.

The growing season in Northern Greece in 2023 began very dry, with an almost warm winter, followed by a nice, cold spring. There were some challenges due to a very wet June, along with heatwaves that stressed the vines in July. However, warm days and cool nights during harvest saved the vintage. Let's see how this 2023 Assyrtiko from Greece is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

BOUTARI THE AUTHENTIC ASSYRTIKO 2023 - PGI Macedonia, Greece (#44246) (XD) - $21.95
Fresh and lifted, the medium-high intensity nose wafts of lemon, grapefruit, citrus, herbs, floral blossom, and apple aromas with leesy mineral accents adding further complexity. The medium+ to medium-full bodied palate is dry, ripe, and gently honeyed with lemon, grapefruit, apple, blossom, leesy mineral, and spice flavours. It has fine, well-balanced acidity and a pleasing, textural mouthfeel on the mid-palate. Leesy mineral notes are more prominent on the back palate and carry through to the long, savoury mineral finish. A highly recommended buy that is ideal with seafood. Score: 90+ pts

A few lovely wines by Boutari are available at the LCBO, while the full range can be ordered through their Agent - Kolonaki Fine Wines & Spirits.