Gaia Assyrtiko Clay Orange Wine 2021: Bold, Textured, Utterly Unique
Orange 13% ABV ABV Gaia
24 March 2026
Absolute stunner
I've been getting into orange wines lately and this Gaia is easily one of the best I've had. The colour is gorgeous, like liquid amber, and there's this beeswax and chamomile thing on the nose that's just beautiful. Dry, grippy, savoury — honestly felt like I was drinking something really special.
6 March 2026
Bit pricey for what it is
Look, it's a good wine. The apricot and quince flavours are genuinely lovely. But nearly £38 for a bottle that most of my mates would find weird? I ended up drinking most of it myself because nobody else wanted more than a glass. Would maybe buy at £25.
9 January 2026
Surprised how much I liked it
Saw this on a restaurant menu and the waiter talked me into trying a glass. Never had an orange wine before and wasn't sure what to expect. It's dry and quite tannic which threw me at first but the dried fruit flavours are really nice. Ended up ordering a second glass.
11 December 2025
This converted me to orange wine
Bought this on a whim because the guy at the wine shop was raving about it. I've never really got orange wine before but this one just clicked — there's this amazing dried apricot thing going on and it's got proper grip to it, almost like a light red. At £37 it's not cheap but honestly I'd buy it again.
5 December 2025
Not really my thing
I can appreciate that this is well made but the tannic dryness is just too much for me. I kept wanting it to be a bit softer or fruitier. The walnut skin finish is interesting I suppose but I'd rather spend this kind of money on a nice Burgundy. My wife loved it though so maybe it's just me.
26 November 2025
Interesting but not for everyone
My partner got this for my birthday knowing I like trying unusual wines. It's definitely unique — very dry with a tannic texture that surprised me. I liked the herbal, almost tea-like quality but it's quite intense. Would be better shared with someone who's into this sort of thing.
23 November 2025
Great conversation starter
Brought this to a dinner party and everyone wanted to know what the orange-coloured wine was. It's got a really savoury depth to it, almost like drinking dried herbs and stewed fruit. Goes surprisingly well with stronger flavoured food — we had it with a tagine and it was class. The 13% ABV is sensible too, nobody got too messy.
15 November 2025
Perfect with Greek food
Had this with a big spread of mezze and grilled halloumi and it was spot on. The Assyrtiko grape is Greek so it made sense and it really worked. Loved the nutty finish and the way the acidity cuts through richer food. Bit pricey for a weeknight but great for a dinner party.