Historical variety of the Aegean islands, reasonably important in Crete as well. Nowadays, it is widely planted around Greece, bringing its total vineyard area close to 1000ha. Vigorous and very adaptive vine, giving good results in a variety of soils. Athíri is an early-ripening variety with small grapes with a greenish-yellow hue and a soft pulp.

Athiri has a distinctive, moderate aromatic profile with a wonderfully vibrant lemon and yellow fruit character. It is suitable for fresh, fruity wines producing pleasant high volume cuvées, unless grown at altitude. It is also one of the three main white grape varieties of Santorini, together with Assyrtiko and Aidani. Winemakers often blend a touch of Athíri with Assyrtiko to soften the latter’s bracing acidity.