Gavalas Winery, Enalia (PDO Santorini), Santorini, Greece, 2022

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

From some of their oldest vines (120+ years) in Megalochori and Pyrgos, at around 150 to 250 metres above sea level where the soil is volcanic soil, and the vineyards are prephylloxera.

Winemaking

Hand-picked grapes. Whole bunch pressing. Maturation with fine lees for 16 months in stainless steel and clay.

Tasting Note

Aromas of stone fruits accompany the concentrated minerality of typical of old vine Assyrtiko. Full body with crisp, fresh and thrilling acidity.

Food Matching

This stands up well with fatty fishes, oysters and white meats.