Two wines from Santorini have been featured by one of the world’s leading wine magazines, Decanter, in a piece dedicated to top volcanic wines.

Wine master Andy Howard selected the wines and said in the article “volcanic soils are adding plenty of character to the wines featured below, from Mount Etna, Santorini and Tenerife.”

The Santorinian wines showcased both come from the Hatzidakis winery and were selected by Howard. The Hatzidakis Mylos Assyrtiko Vielles Vignes, a 2015 Assyrtiko is described as having an intense perfume of orange blossom and a vibrant palate with strident acidity to balance the weighty, slightly off-dry tropical fruit and tannic edge.

The Santorinian red which Howard chose is the Hatzidakis Mavrotragano from 2013. A 100% Mavrotragano, this wine is composed of a rare local Santorinian grape variety. It is described as a vibrant red cherry fruit combined with well-judged oak on the palate and a well balanced, intriguing wine.

Santorinian wines have been gaining international recognition in recent years for their finesse and dedication to local grape varieties. The island’s volcanic terroir and unique microclimate lend distinctive characteristics to the wines produced there, as do local practices such as partially sun-drying the grapes for use in sweet wines. The first International Wine Tourism Congress is due to be held on the island from October 14-16 this year. 

Decanter is a leading wine and spirit magazine established in 1975 and distributed in over 90 countries. The magazine includes industry news, vintage guides and wine recommendations. It also organizes the annual Decanter World Wine Awards. In total, 146 Greek wines won medals ranging from platinum to bronze at the 2016 awards, of which wines 12 originated from Santorini.