Gavalas Winery

Santorini wine is produced from the exquisite white native variety of Assyrtiko carefully selected from the traditional vineyard of the island. This vineyard is considered to be the oldest in Greece, it has never been affected bythe Phylloxera disease, and the grapes are grown on original stock. The rainfall on the island is limited and the winds can be very powerful. In order to protect the grapes from the strong winds, the vines are pruned in a cylindrical form - a characteristic way of pruning in Santorini - so that the fruit can mature in the centre. The harvest begins in the middle of August. The grapes are brought to the winery,having been carefully placed in crates and baskets, never completely filled so as to avoid any damage that might occur in transportation. Only 25% of the grape juice is extracted. It is then placed in stainless steel tanks where with a cold process it is separated from the lees. Fermentation then takes place in stainless steel vats at 18oC.