Gavalas Posta 2023

Region and Vineyards

Gavalas Posta comes from a mosaic of vineyards across the Cyclades, including the volcanic soils of Santorini and the calcareous terroirs of Paros. The Assyrtiko portion is sourced from younger vines (less than 30 years old) in Megalochori, a historical village at the heart of Santorini viticulture. These sites benefit from the intense sunlight and cooling maritime breezes, which help to retain acidity and develop aromatic intensity.

The Monemvasia used in the blend hails from Paros Island, offering a broader texture and softer fruit expression. A smaller proportion of Athiri, another indigenous Aegean variety, is occasionally included to enhance aromatic lift and roundness.

Winemaking

The grapes are hand-harvested, ensuring careful selection and preservation of freshness. The vinification follows a classic white wine protocol, with fermentation occurring at cool temperatures (14–16 °C) in stainless steel vats to emphasize purity and fruit-forward character.

The wine is then aged for 3 to 4 months on fine lees, still in stainless steel, adding subtle texture and complexity without oak influence. This approach results in a crisp, aromatic white that reflects its Cycladic origins.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Pale straw with greenish reflections.
• Aroma: Fresh and expressive, showing green apple, lemon zest, and a faint herbal nuance.
• Palate: Medium-bodied and vibrant, with crisp acidity and flavors that echo the nose—bright citrus and orchard fruit, with a mineral edge and clean finish.

Did you know?

Monemvasia, one of the blending grapes, takes its name from a fortified medieval town in the Peloponnese, but in this wine it is sourced from Paros, where the grape thrives in dry, sun-drenched conditions. Historically, it was associated with the sweet wine “Malvasia,” once highly prized in Renaissance Europe.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Sea bream with herb oil: The wine’s freshness enhances the delicacy of white fish and mirrors herbal accents.
• Pasta with lemon cream sauce: The crisp acidity cuts through richness and elevates citrus elements.
• Greek village salad: A natural match with tomatoes, olives, and feta, complementing the wine's brightness.
• Lightly grilled calamari: Both oceanic and zesty, this dish harmonizes with the wine’s saline backbone.

History of Gavalas Winery

Located in the historic village of Megalochori, Gavalas Winery is a fourth- and fifth-generation family estate, now led by George Gavalas and his son Vagelis. The winery is housed in a restored stone canava—a traditional Santorini wine cellar—preserving original architectural elements like grape-stomping rooms and vaulted cellars from ancient Thira.

The Gavalas family has been cultivating vines and making wine for well over a century. Today, they combine this deep-rooted heritage with modern precision, producing wines that reflect both history and terroir. Their aim is clear: to highlight the uniqueness of Santorini’s volcanic soils and showcase the island’s indigenous grape varieties.

While Assyrtiko remains the flagship grape of the estate, Gavalas also vinifies other local varieties including Aidani, Mandilaria, and Mavrotragano. Notably, Gavalas is the only winery on the island that produces wines from the rare native grapes Katsano and Voudomato, preserving viticultural biodiversity and offering unique interpretations of Santorini’s oenological past.

Region and Vineyards

Santorini’s vineyard is unlike any other. The island features prephylloxera vines over 120 years old, planted in volcanic soils formed from lava and ash. Because the phylloxera louse cannot survive in this terrain, these ancient vines are ungrafted and original, making them among the oldest continuously cultivated vines in the world.

The climate is dry and windy, with low annual yields averaging just 3,000 kg/ha. To shield the grapes from harsh winds and scorching sun, vines are trained in the traditional kouloura basket shape. Night-time humidity is absorbed by the porous volcanic soil and returned to the vines during the day, sustaining them without irrigation.

Assyrtiko dominates the vineyard landscape, accounting for approximately 75% of Santorini’s plantings, but the estate also works with other traditional Cycladic grapes to craft both dry and sweet wines.

Wine Range of Gavalas Winery

The Gavalas portfolio includes a variety of expressive wines that each reflect the unique facets of Santorini’s terroir:

• Posta: A refreshing blend of Assyrtiko, Monemvasia, and Athiri, ideal for early drinking.
• Aidani: A mono-varietal expression of this floral, soft white grape.
• Santorini Natural Ferment: A wild-yeast fermented Assyrtiko aged on lees for complexity and texture.
• Enalia: A premium Assyrtiko from 120-year-old vines, matured in stainless steel and clay eggs for 16 months.
• Santorini: The estate’s classic Assyrtiko, combining minerality, structure, and citrus brightness.

Did you know?

Gavalas Winery is the only producer in Santorini to bottle the indigenous Katsano and Voudomato grapes, making them a key player in the preservation of the island's vinous heritage.