Gavalas Winery, Aidani (PGI Cyclades), Santorini, Greece, 2023

Producer Profile

Gavalas family winery, one of the oldest on the island of Santorini, lies in the village of Megalochori.

The stone building, built along traditional lines, used to double as a distillery making canava, a local spirit, and has retained many of its original features including the cellars and grape stomping rooms. Now, though, these have been joined by a modern addition with high-tech equipment to produce wines of the highest quality. The aim of the Gavalas family, which includes fourth-generation winemaker George and his son Vagelis, is to highlight the characteristics of Santorini’s unique volcanic terroir and a variety of indigenous grape varieties that includes not only Assyrtiko, Aidani, Mandilaria and Mavrotragano, but the much rarer Katsano and Voudomato.

Viticulture

Prephylloxera, old vines (50+ Years) from volcanic soils mainly within the area of Akrotiri at an altitude of 70 to 150 metres.

Winemaking

Hand-picked grapes. A temperature-controlled fermentation at 14-16 °C in stainless steel vats. Maturation with fine lees for about 3 months in stainless steel vats.

Tasting Note

Packed full of floral and stone fruit aromas, this is medium bodied with fresh acidity.

Food Matching

This delicate wine works well with vegetable and salad dishes as well as on its own. Quaffable!