Gavalas Santorini 2022

Region and Vineyards

Gavalas Santorini is produced under the Protected Designation of Origin Santorini, one of Greece’s most esteemed and terroir-specific wine regions. The island is known for its volcanic soils, high winds, and arid conditions, which all contribute to the distinct structure and character of its wines.

The Assyrtiko grapes used in this vintage are sourced from vines over 50 years old, planted in three prime areas: Megalochori, Akrotiri, and Pyrgos. These sites, with their elevated exposures and lava-rich soils, produce fruit with remarkable natural acidity, concentration, and mineral intensity. The vines are trained in the traditional kouloura basket system, uniquely suited to withstand the fierce Aegean winds.

Winemaking

The wine is made from 100% Assyrtiko, using classic white vinification techniques. Grapes are gently pressed, and only the free-run juice is used for fermentation, which occurs in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve freshness and purity.

After fermentation, the wine matures on fine lees for at least 6 months, adding texture and complexity without overshadowing the grape’s naturally vivid character. No oak is used, allowing the varietal and terroir expression to remain at the forefront.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Bright lemon-gold hue, clear and vibrant.
• Aroma: Intense and focused, featuring notes of lemon zest, pear, white peach, and flinty volcanic minerality.
• Palate: Full-bodied with high acidity, saline undertones, and a chalky structure. Long, focused finish marked by citrus and subtle peach skin.

Did you know?

Santorini’s Assyrtiko vines are some of the oldest ungrafted vines in Europe, thanks to the island’s resistance to phylloxera. The Gavalas family has been cultivating and vinifying Assyrtiko for generations, making them one of the most respected traditional producers on the island.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled seabass with caper-lemon butter: The wine’s minerality and acidity amplify the umami and citrus notes.
• Octopus carpaccio with olive oil and herbs: A saline, aromatic match that elevates both wine and dish.
• Pasta alle vongole: Briny, citrusy freshness that mirrors the wine’s tension and zest.
• Roast chicken with lemon and thyme: Complements the structure and bright acidity of the wine.

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.