Gavalas Winery - Santorini 2023 (750ml)
Price: $59.99
| Producer | Gavalas Winery |
| Country | Greece |
| Region | Santorini |
| Varietal | Assyrtiko |
| Vintage | 2023 |
| Sku | 204561 |
| Size | 750ml |
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Gavalas Winery Description
On the island of Santorini, the Gavalas family has been making wine for about 300 years. George Gavalas is the fourth-generation winemaker and owner of Gavalas Winery which is one oldest winery in continuous production on the island. Today, his son, Vagelis is leading the winery into the fifth generation. Winemaking on Santorini has been continuous for at least 3500 years, given archeological evidence, and is considered the oldest vineyards of Europe. The island has 30 extant indigenous varieties that have persisted because Santorini was never affected by Phylloxera. Currently 75% of Santorini's vineyards are planted with its highly prized Assyrtiko and some of the root stock is assumed to be 400-500 years old, possibly making these the world's oldest vines. Crisp, fresh, full bodied white wines, mineral and fruity red wines, and the distinguished dessert wine Vinsanto make up a diversity of wines that come from this volcanic terroir.
Tasting Note: Aromas of citrus, lemon, pear and peach accompany the typical saltiness and minerality of Assyrtiko. Full body with high acidity and long aftertaste.
Wine Pairing: White fish with lemon sauce, hard cheeses and assorted fruits.
Wine Advocate: 92 Points
In its distinctive blue bottle that you see served at restaurants all over the island, the Gavalas 2023 Santorini is 100% Assyrtiko sourced mostly from Pyrgos, Megalochori and Akrotiri. It is inoculated with neutral commercial yeasts for steady results. "Assyrtiko is not an aromatic variety, so we focus mainly on mouthfeel," says fifth-generation vintner Vangelis Gavalas. The grapes go directly to press, and the wine ages on the lees for six months in stainless steel. The level of bâtonnage depends on the individual vat and the quality of the lees. But make no mistake, this is an immensely popular and buttoned-up expression that delivers consistency and textbook Assyrtiko flavors. This blue bottle is a symbol of the island and its winemaking might. The flavors are salty, lemony and quintessentially Santorini. Made since 1998, it represents two-thirds of the winery's total production.
