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750ml
Bottle:
$72.20
$76.00
6 bottles:
$69.22
Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation (Finalist) - 2020 ULTIMATE SPIRITS CHALLENGE
750ml
Bottle:
$72.20
$76.00
6 bottles:
$69.22
High toned aromas of minerals, river rocks, and lime zest are flinty, pungent, and ever evolving. Bright and juicy in...
750ml
Bottle:
$53.07
$55.86
6 bottles:
$49.38
Clear color. Green, grassy, herbal, interesting, fresh aromas and flavors of distilled cherry pits, dried dates and...
750ml
Bottle:
$40.35
$42.47
6 bottles:
$36.47
Earthy aromas of fresh green herbs and dusty roadsides announce a rustic expressiveness; smoked fruit, a touch of...
750ml
Bottle:
$54.72
$57.60
6 bottles:
$48.00
Pollinator features a nose marked by floral notes, vanilla, honeysuckle, and clover. On the lips, you’ll get...
750ml
Bottle:
$54.72
$57.60
6 bottles:
$48.00
This American-made sotol shows bold ripe banana layered with a hint of coconut, finishing with grapefruit peel...
750ml
Bottle:
$43.32
$45.60
6 bottles:
$36.00
While it’s not an agave spirit, our Desert Door Original is a lot like a premium tequila on the nose, with bright...
![Domaine Sigalas Santorini 'Kavalieros' [Single Vineyard] 2022 750ml](https://www.saratogawine.com/files/images/cached_thumbs/2e/2e26cae379bb78c73c0bc101622683d6.jpg){kind=small}
750ml
Bottle:
$78.00
Situated in the small picturesque village of Imerovigli, the Kavalieros vineyard overlooks the dramatic Santorini...
![Domaine Sigalas Santorini [100% Assyrtiko] 2022 750ml](https://www.saratogawine.com/files/images/cached_thumbs/1e/1eef65a5928a21c8ec8d91a21a1082f9.jpg){kind=small}
750ml
Bottle:
$35.93
$37.20
The 2022 Santorini Assyrtiko, the flagship 100% Assyrtiko (usually producing around 100,000 bottles), is unoaked and...
Assyrtiko Ice Wine Japanese Whiskey Mezcal
Cultivated since at least the middle of the Byzantine era, the Assyrtiko grape is generally considered to be one the finest of the Greek grape varietals, as a result of its multi-purpose properties and ability to flourish on a wide range of terrains. The ancient Byzantines used it in conjunction with Aidani and Athiri grapes for the production of their unusual and naturally sweet Vinsanto wines, which are still produced today in Santorini, and continue to be popular. However, the Assyrtiko grapes are used for many different AOC wines across Greece, and are favored by wine makers who want to maintain a dryness and acidic punch to their produce.
The Assyrtiko grapes are renowned for their ability to maintain their acidity as they ripen beneath the blazing Mediterranean sun, resulting in wines which have a distinctive dryness and a range of citrus fruit aromas, as well as great structure and high tannins. Often, Assyrtiko grapes will produce wines which leave an unusual after-taste reminiscent of the mineral rich, volcanic soils they are grown in on the slopes of Santorini, making them a favorite for wine drinkers looking for something full of character and interesting attributes. The past twenty five years have seen Assyrtiko vines planted all over the Greek mainland, and even in Attica and Macedonia, where the softer terrain often produces more fruit forward wines with a milder, less astringent character. However, wherever this fine grape varietal is grown, it is rare the results will be anything less than excellent.
Additional Information on Greek Wines
Greek Wines
Ancient Greek Wines – A Brief History of Wine in Greece
The Myth of Dionysus, Greek God of Wine
What is Retsina?
Whisky might not be the first thing that springs to mind when we think of Japanese fine produce, but over the past one hundred years, this fascinating and multi-faceted country has diligently forged a unique whisky identity which is growing in popularity, and which is entirely its own.
The story of Japanese whisky begins in 1918, when Masataka Taketsuru was sent to Scotland to undertake a tour of single malt distilleries in the Highlands, and bring home a knowledge of whisky and distillation skills. He returned full of inspiration, helped no doubt by his new Scottish wife, and alongside his friend, Shinjiro Torii, set up what would become a successful whisky industry.
Today, the Japanese whisky industry is spread over a relatively small handful of distilleries, which continue to use Scottish techniques and recipes, but with a hefty dose of distinctly Japanese experimentalism. This is displayed most obviously in the barrelling techniques the Japanese use - to create a distinctly Oriental set of tasting notes, native Japanese oakwood casks are used for ageing, alongside casks taken from plum wine producers, which impart a beautiful set of floral flavors to the whisky.
While some distilleries produce some excellent single malts, the majority of Japanese whiskies are blended, which reveals a unique set of flavors and aromas ranging from honeysuckle and orange blossom, to toffee and acetone.
Although commonly confused with Tequila, Mexico’s other signature spirit, Mezcal, has its own set of unique characteristics which set it apart. Mezcal is made from the agave plant, although not the blue agave most commonly associated with Tequila production. This drink hails from the arid southern Mexican region of Oaxaca, where it has been made for generations according to traditional recipes and methods, and continues to be extremely popular worldwide today.
One of the defining features of quality Mezcal is its pungent smokiness, a heady aroma which reminds us of campfires and desert nights. This comes from the fact that the pinas (the fruit body) of the agave used in its production are slow cooked in wood fired ovens, before being distilled into a spirit. Mezcal is traditionally bottled with a worm - why? Nobody really seems to know for sure, but this unique drink continues to attract attention and convert new fans thanks to its authenticity, unique flavor and supposed health benefits. It is split into the same categories as Tequila; blanco, reposado and anejo, and although it is often used as a mixer in cocktails, it is best enjoyed straight and uncomplicated, allowing its beautiful and subtle characteristics to shine.