INSIDER'S PICK: 2023 ESTATE THEODORAKAKOS ASSYRTIKO LAKONIA $14.99

This is one of the last Summertime choices for an Insider's Pick, perhaps giving you a chance to reflect on some exotic traveling you may have enjoyed. Many European travelers will at some point visit the Greek island of Santorini, where the Assyrtiko grape makes their signature wine. While there, however, you will pay 'tourist trap' prices, and that can carry over to the wines that get exported. This bottling comes from the mainland region of Lakonia on the southern peninsula, but the coastal vineyards for this excellent organic producer ensure that there is nothing lost here, other than some of the cost to you (which we're SURE you won't miss!). An immediate aromatic pop of fresh white flowers and peachy warm fruits, hinting a bit at Viognier or even Albarino if you're a Spanish wine fan, but with a cooling minerality and zesty citrus tones that takes away any tropical or sweeter sense. The palate has lots of tangy lime and weighty pear tones loaded with minerality and a touch of salinity to the finish. Though many will think of this as a warm weather wine, it has loads of food possibilities and enough in it to be well capable of being an option far into the cooler seasons. And it's so fairly priced you don't have to save it for a special occasion!

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