2022 Anhydrous Saint Nikolas PGI Cyclades

Product Description

Originally founded in 2012 as Avantis Santorini, this dynamic Greek winery was renamed Anhydrous for the 2021 vintage. Anhydrous means ‘without water’ and references the brutal growing conditions on this beautiful island. This change was instigated by winemaker Apostolos Mountrichas, who craved a new challenge and reinvention. Hence, Anhydrous came to be. Today Apostolos’ winemaking philosophy is deeply rooted in experimenting with ancient techniques to produce modern wines that exhibit a sense of place.

Within the space of a decade, Apostolos has transformed Anhydrous into one of Santorini’s premier producers. He rents one hectare of vines and work with growers who farm an additional 40 hectares. They grow primarily Assyrtiko, ungrafted and trained in the traditional koulkoura (basket-shaped) system. This fabled native grape is supplemented with the indigenous varieties Athiri and Aidani, especially in his base wine ‘Santorini’. The island’s average annual rainfall is about 550 millimetres, but only 37mm falls in the five months from May to September. The average yield from the poor volcanic soils is three tonnes per hectare, resulting in small quantities of exceptional fruit which translates to just 40,000 bottles per year. In the winery, Apostolos ferments with indigenous yeasts using large traditional Afoura casks, clay amphorae, stainless steel tanks and cement eggs.

Awarded the title of `Other Santorini wine of the Year` in Tim Atkin’s 2023 report, across the orange, rosé, and red wines category, ‘St Nikolas’ is the latest addition to the Anhydrous range. This blend of old ungrafted Mavrotragano and Mandilaria has been praised as one of the finest expressions of its kind. Apostolos Mountrichas has been awarded many times for his red wines. He is called as the red winemaking virtuoso. Saint Nikolas is dedicated to his son Nikolas who loves sailors’ stories and sea travel. Saint Nikolas is the patron Saint of sailors. This wine is a prestige red wine, highlighting the red local Santorini grapes.

The electric nature of these wines results from a unique combination of low yields and achieving full ripeness, yet still having a pH of only 2.9. They deserve all the attention they are getting from wine lovers in search of something different.

Aromatic complexity of black fruits with a herbaceous character. Dry on the palate, full bodied, with density, noticeable tannins and remarkable acidity. Aromas of black fruits, vanilla, sweet spices & cassis, complete the impressive palate of Santorini red wine. Complex fruity, spicy aftertaste.