The Trilogy of Santorini PDO Products
Santorini agricultural products are unique in the world!
There are some places in this world which appear to be exactly the opposite: otherworldly.
A breathtaking landscape and unparalleled architecture have rendered Santorini a world-class destination. The story behind the island is equally fascinating; Santorini came about after one of the largest volcanic eruptions on Earth in recorded history. During the eruption, the centre of the island collapsed thousands of feet into the sea, forming the famous Caldera of Santorini. This landmark created spectacular views throughout the island and is truly one of the natural wonders of the world. The destruction left the main island of Thira in a half-moon shape and also created a group of smaller islands that make up Santorini. They are Thirassia and Aspronisi.
You can taste the island’s history through the exceptional wines, fava beans (a special kind of yellow split pea) and tomatoes (tomataki) that are solely produced here.
Known for its breathtaking scenery, Santorini also provides an amazing culinary experience. Due to the unique terroir, the island produces specialties that can only be found here. The anhydrous climate, the volcanic soil, the cooling winds and the dense humid nights, combined with the unique varieties cultivated in the island, contribute to the creation of delicacies nobody can resist.
These elements make the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) products from Santorini so revered.
PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) is a certification used by the EU to identify, promote and protect a name of a quality agricultural product or food.
PDO identifies a product:
- originating in a specific place, region or a country
- whose quality or characteristics are essentially or exclusively due to a particular geographical environment with its inherent natural and human factors
- the production steps of which all take place in the defined geographical area.
PDO products are reputable for their excellence and uniqueness, sealed with the quality stamps of the European Union. Highly traceable, unique and continuously monitored for their quality, PDO products are truly the crown jewels of European production.
Wine - Protected Designation of Origin Santorini
Santorini has a well-known and flourishing wine industry. The wine production dates back thousands of years, approximately around the 3rd millennium BC. The vineyards have continuously produced wines for 4,000 years, save for a period of approximately three hundred years immediately after the volcanic eruption, where all life was eliminated due to the volcanic ash (known as “aspa”) and lava covering the island from side to side. Today, the vineyard of Santorini consists of approximately 1200 hectares of family-owned vineyards, which in their unique geographical conditions and cultivation techniques comprise part of Greece’s intangible cultural heritage.
Assyrtiko is the white grape variety that thrives in its birthplace, the volcanic land of Santorini. PDO Santorini wines are dry white wines made from at least 75% Assyrtiko grapes (single variety or blended with local white grapes Athiri and Aidani) and also include the wines with the indication Nykteri, aged for at least 3 months and Vinsanto, the noteworthy, naturally sweet wine from sun-dried grapes, produced exclusively in Santorini.
The worldwide famous Santorini wines, all sharing and imprinting the unique characteristics of their volcanic origin, combine crisp acidity with intense minerality in the mouth and distinctive salinity in the palette. They are vibrant and full-bodied, with citrus aromas. They have great aging potential in oak or in the bottle, where they become more complex as the notes of oak, tea, toasted nuts and honey become more pronounced.
Wine - Protected Designation of Origin Santorini
Santorini has a well-known and flourishing wine industry. The wine production dates back thousands of years, approximately around the 3rd millennium BC. The vineyards have continuously produced wines for 4,000 years, save for a period of approximately three hundred years immediately after the volcanic eruption, where all life was eliminated due to the volcanic ash (known as “aspa”) and lava covering the island from side to side. Today, the vineyard of Santorini consists of approximately 1200 hectares of family-owned vineyards, which in their unique geographical conditions and cultivation techniques comprise part of Greece’s intangible cultural heritage.
Assyrtiko is the white grape variety that thrives in its birthplace, the volcanic land of Santorini. PDO Santorini wines are dry white wines made from at least 75% Assyrtiko grapes (single variety or blended with local white grapes Athiri and Aidani) and also include the wines with the indication Nykteri, aged for at least 3 months and Vinsanto, the noteworthy, naturally sweet wine from sun-dried grapes, produced exclusively in Santorini.
The worldwide famous Santorini wines, all sharing and imprinting the unique characteristics of their volcanic origin, combine crisp acidity with intense minerality in the mouth and distinctive salinity in the palette. They are vibrant and full-bodied, with citrus aromas. They have great aging potential in oak or in the bottle, where they become more complex as the notes of oak, tea, toasted nuts and honey become more pronounced.
Tomataki Santorinis - PDO Santorini
Santorini Tomatoes are one of a kind! An extraordinary result of dry farming practices in volcanic soil. In the local parlance, Santorini tomato is popularly referred to as «tomataki» (to-ma-tah-kee), meaning the small tomato.
Under its thick skin and the characteristic raffled shape, it reveals a concentrated full-body with natural sweet taste and intense aromas.
It embodies more vitamin C than regular tomatoes and the greatest amount of lycopene –known for its antioxidant qualities- than any other fruit or vegetable.
Equally unique is the tomato paste produced from the tomataki. Santorini tomato paste is famous for its distinctive red colour, velvety texture, sweet and slightly mineral taste, and zesty aromas. Its taste is amazing in red sauces, as a dip, or blended with other ingredients and herbs to add an extraordinary dimension in creative cuisine!
Tomatoes in Santorini are one of a kind! These tomatoes, called “tomataki” which means “small tomato” in Greek, have developed a thicker skin due to the rare rainfalls and blustery weather on Santorini.
FAVA Santorinis - PDO Santorini
Fava beans originate in Ancient Greece and have grown exclusively in Santorini for more than 3500 years. Santorini Fava is a legume from the plant “Lathyrus Clymenum L” and is considered a super food with more than 20% plant based protein. The production of fava is very small due to the availability of land and growing conditions on the island which makes fava a true delicacy. Santorini’s production does not exceed 450 pounds.
Fava Santorinis have a rich and velvety texture with an earthy and slightly sweet taste, making them a treasured ingredient with chefs around the globe. Fava can be savored as an appetizer, main dish or side dish and pairs beautifully with meat, seafood or vegetables.
FAVA Santorinis - PDO Santorini
Fava beans originate in Ancient Greece and have grown exclusively in Santorini for more than 3500 years. Santorini Fava is a legume from the plant “Lathyrus Clymenum L” and is considered a super food with more than 20% plant based protein. The production of fava is very small due to the availability of land and growing conditions on the island which makes fava a true delicacy. Santorini’s production does not exceed 450 pounds.
Fava Santorinis have a rich and velvety texture with an earthy and slightly sweet taste, making them a treasured ingredient with chefs around the globe. Fava can be savored as an appetizer, main dish or side dish and pairs beautifully with meat, seafood or vegetables.
