By editor Marinos Skolarikos 28/10/2025

Gavalas winery presents in Greek Wine Day  2025, the Vinsanto 2018. Enjoy the reading.

Located in the traditional village of Megalochori, Santorini, Gavalas Winery stands as a benchmark of how deep-rooted tradition and cutting-edge winemaking can coexist in harmony. The estate occupies a historic canava—a stone-built winery that has been carefully preserved to maintain the architectural integrity of ancient Thira, while integrating a fully modern production facility.

With a legacy that spans generations, Gavalas Winery remains deeply committed to honoring the island’s distinctive winemaking culture. Original elements such as underground cellars, grape-stomping rooms, and traditional entrances have been retained, creating a seamless dialogue between Santorini’s past and its contemporary oenological vision.

The winery currently produces ten labels, each designed to showcase the complexity of Santorini’s volcanic terroir. The production philosophy centers on Assyrtiko, Greece’s flagship white grape variety, known globally for its mineral intensity, high acidity, and remarkable aging potential.

About Vinsanto 2018

Type: Naturally Sweet White Wine
Category: Protected Designation of Origin Santorini
Varieties: Assyrtiko 85% – Aidani 10% – Athiri 5%

Vineyard:
The harvest for Vinsanto begins at the end of August when the grapes achieve the desired degree of maturation (14–15 Bé). Vineyards are located mainly in the south part of Santorini.

Winemaking:
Vinsanto follows traditional winemaking techniques. Grapes are sun-dried for 10–15 days to concentrate the sugar levels. The juice ferments naturally in 80-year-old Russian oak barrels and ages there for 6 years.

Tasting notes:
Complex aromas of raisin, dried figs, prunes, caramel, dark chocolate, and coffee. Concentrated body with high acidity and long aftertaste.

Food pairings:
Chocolate cake, bitter chocolate, white ice cream, baklava, blue cheese, or simply by the glass.

Ageing potential:
20+ years

Production:
2,500 bottles

Technical Information

  • Harvest Date: 8/2018

  • Bottling Date: 24/9/2024

  • Alcohol (%): 10.0

  • Acidity (g/L tartaric acid): 9.5

  • Volatile acidity (g/L acetic acid): 1.7

  • Free SO₂ (mg/L): 25

  • Total SO₂ (mg/L): 150

  • Residual sugars (g/L): 230

  • pH: 3.1

  • Cork: DIAM 5

     

  • Allwinestories is official media partner of Greek Wine Day 2025