Structure

Bodymedium
Tanninlow
Aciditymedium
Sweetnessdry
Finishlong
Oaknone or neutral

Drinking window

Best 1 to 5 years from vintage.
vintage1 yrs5 yrs8 yrs

Critic scores

No critic score is published for this bottle that we can cite with a reviewer, a vintage and a review year, so none is shown. The rating in the header is our own.

In the glass

Medium-bodiedLow tanninMedium acidityDryLong finish

Aroma: pear, white blossom, citrus

Palate: soft fruit, lemon, gentle mineral

Katsano is a heritage white indigenous to Santorini. Gavalas vinifies it as a monovarietal, producing a softer-shouldered, fruit-driven style; few other producers on the island bottle Katsano as a single variety.

What it pairs with

  • Steamed clams
    Soft acidity and pear notes complement delicate shellfish.
  • Grilled white fish
    Gentle mineral and light texture suit mild flesh.
  • Goat cheese salad
    Citrus and fruit lift tangy fresh cheese.

How to serve Gavalas Katsano

Allow 5 minutes from open to pour.

  1. Open and pour. Open and pour directly. No decanting required for this style.
  2. Serve at 8-10°C. Cellar temperature (8-10°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
  3. Glassware. Use a smaller all-purpose white glass: the bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
  4. Pair with. Steamed clams, Grilled white fish, Goat cheese salad. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.

History

Katsano is a Santorini heritage white grape nearly lost to extinction. Gavalas, by replanting and commercially vinifying it, became the sole commercial source on the island.

  1. 2008: Gavalas Katsano launched as the sole commercial Santorini bottling of the heritage grape

Facts

Producer
Gavalas Winery · visiting guide
Grapes
Katsano
Classification
PGI Cyclades
Oak
Stainless steel; no oak
ABV
12.5%
Price
EUR 30-50 at retail
Drinking window
1-5 from vintage
First vintage
2008

Frequently asked about Gavalas Katsano

What does Gavalas Katsano taste like?

On the nose, pear, white blossom, citrus. On the palate, soft fruit, lemon, gentle mineral. Structurally medium-bodied, low tannins, medium acidity with a long finish. Katsano is a heritage white indigenous to Santorini. Gavalas vinifies it as a monovarietal, producing a softer-shouldered, fruit-driven style; few other producers on the island bottle Katsano as a single variety.

When should I drink Gavalas Katsano?

Drink 1-5 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.

What food pairs with Gavalas Katsano?

Steamed clams is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Grilled white fish and Goat cheese salad. Soft acidity and pear notes complement delicate shellfish.

What grapes are in Gavalas Katsano?

The blend is Katsano. The wine is classified as PGI Cyclades.

Tags

drink young dry hidden gem katsano medium acid medium body mood easygoing mood fruity occasion aperitivo occasion summer old vines old world pairs with shellfish pairs with soft cheese pairs with white fish price premium still white

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