£23.00
per bottle (750 ml)
DESCRIPTION
A dry red wine, the result of a skilful blending of Mavrotragano, Voudomato and Athiri grape varieties. These rare varieties cover only 3-5% of the vineyard of Santorini and in the local dialect are called «Xenoloo», hence the name of this outstanding quality wine. The harvest begins in early August so that the grapes are picked before they are fully ripe. The first fermentation is carried out in stainless steel vats at a temperature of 22 C and is followed by the malolactic fermentation. The wine matures in French oak barrels for a period of 12 months prior to bottling. Gavalas’ Xenoloo is a wine characterized by its vivid personality, velvety taste and a rich nutty bouquet. It is an ideal accompaniment to game, meat with red sauces, light spicy meals and cheese. The production is strictly limited.
AT A GLANCE
Red
2017
13.5 ABV
Mavrotragano
Aegean Islands
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Grapes
Athiri
Athiri is a white grape variety of ancient origin grown natively in Greece. It is best known for its use in blends, particularly as a foil for the bold Assyrtiko grape variety in the Santorini PDO wines (up to 25%) and Vinsanto (up to 49%), normally combined with Aidani. It has also a PDO designation on the island of Rhodes, where it produces different styles of sparkling wines. Athiri’s freshness, softness and low alcohol potential make it well suited to these purposes.Thin-skinned large berries in long bunches, vigorous, drought resistant and adaptive. Mid-budding and mid-ripening.
Mavrotragano
Mavrotragano is a dark-skinned variety grown exclusively on the volcanic Greek island of Santorini. Traditionally cultivated for the production of sweet red wines, it now has a somewhat cult status as a high-quality dry red. Mavrotragano was almost uprooted to the point of extinction during Santorini’s tourist boom when vineyard land was acquired by developers wanting to build hotels and apartments. At one stage, Mavrotragano accounted for just 2 per cent of Santorini’s dwindling vineyard area – the prestigious Assyrtico was the much-preferred variety on the island.
Voudomato
Voudomato is an ancient red-wine grape variety native to Greece. It is extremely rare, and what plantings there are found mostly on the island of Santorini. Some growers claim to have ungrafted vines that are more than 500 years old. Voudomato in Greek means “bull’s eye”. The variety is used to produce mostly dry red wines, some single-varietal, some blends. It has also been used for table grapes. Voudomato varietal wines are ruby-coloured, with subtle floral aromas. In blended wines, Voudomato will often be paired with local varieties such as Mavrotragano and Athiri. These wines are velvety smooth, with a distinctive nuttiness. Wines made from Voudomato are rare due to the tiny level of production.
Producer
Gavalas
Continuing a long tradition of winemakers, spanning over three centuries, the Gavalas family has been exclusively engaged with the vinification of a number of indigenous varieties grown on the island of Santorini.They have been working particularly on the unknown varieties of Santorini, beyond Assyrtiko and they are the Santorinian winery with most wine labels produced by indigenous varieties, including the almost extinct Katsano variety, from which they produce a unique and notable white wine, capable of ageing slowly and gracefully. The combination of traditional and modern winemaking methods and the unique volcanic soil and open sea climate of the island assist them in producing fine and balanced wines of vibrant fruity character, refreshing acidity and unique minerality. Their Santorini Natural Ferment and Nykteri labels are very good expressions of the local star Assyrtiko variety, whereas their benchmark Santorini, in the iconic Aegean blue bottle, keeps on gaining fans.
DELIVERY
Free delivery on orders over £150
