Vassaltis. A name that makes you think of the Mediterranean and takes us straight to the breezy island of Santorini in Greece. Because that is where you will find this vineyard. To be more precise, it’s located in Vorvoulos on the north-west side of the island. Created in 1980 by the father of the current owner, Yannis Valabous cares for the vines the grow on basaltic rocks today. The soil which is formed as lava cools allows the grapes to create precise wines with a striking minerality. Aged between 50 and 80 years, the vines which are the traditional varieties of Assyrtiko (the island’s top variety), Aidani and Athiri are tended to by hand following traditional methods. To protect the grapes from the violent winds that batter Santorini and the blazing sun, the vines are trained to grow in nest shapes according to the “kouloura“ method. The harvests are done by hand which allow the yields to be controlled - they amount to about ten hectolitres per hectare.